Her name is Mayra Ambriz, professionally known simply as Myra. As the singer behind one of Disney’s most defining Y2K anthems, Myra carved out a unique space in the entertainment industry as the first teen artist and the first Latina artist ever signed to Walt Disney Records. Two and a half decades after The Princess Diaries first hit theaters in August 2001, the impact of her music continues to resonate with fans who grew up watching Mia discover her royal heritage, proving that the magic of Myra’s signature song has truly stood the test of time.
Long before she became a fixture of early-2000s Disney soundtracks, Myra’s journey in the music industry began under very different circumstances. Born and raised with a deep passion for singing, she launched her professional career in 1997 with the release of her debut studio album, Mensajera del Amór. Remarkably, she achieved this milestone at just 11 years old, showcasing a vocal maturity and stage presence that caught the attention of major industry scouts. Her early work in Spanish-language music laid a strong foundation for her craft, blending traditional influences with contemporary pop sensibilities that would eventually catch the eye of executives at the House of Mouse.
The turn of the millennium brought a massive turning point in Myra’s career. In 2000, she officially signed with Walt Disney Records, a partnership that broke new ground for the studio. By welcoming Myra into the fold, Disney embraced a fresh, multicultural demographic, positioning the young singer as a pioneer for diverse talent on the label. This milestone moment preceded a flurry of high-profile projects that quickly established Myra as one of the network’s most prominent rising stars.
Her first official release under the Disney banner arrived in May 2000 with the track "Magic Carpet Ride," featured prominently on the La Vida Mickey compilation album. The song introduced Myra’s dynamic voice to a broad audience of young Disney Channel viewers and music fans alike. Momentum continued to build when she was tapped to cover Martha and the Vandellas’ classic soul hit "Dancing in the Street." Myra’s vibrant, high-energy rendition became the official soundtrack centerpiece for the 2001 animated feature film Recess: School’s Out, further cementing her status as a go-to voice for Disney’s cinematic slate.
Reflecting on her time with the studio years later, Myra fondly recalled the supportive environment that nurtured her early success. In a 2001 interview with MTV, the singer opened up about the collaborative spirit of her team during those whirlwind years. "I had a great team," Myra told MTV in 2021. "I actually still have a few friends up at Disney Records, and it’s so nice to be in touch after all these years. There are good things about the industry." That genuine camaraderie helped her navigate the intense pressures of early teen stardom, allowing her to balance a demanding recording and touring schedule while maintaining personal connections within the business.
The defining moment of Myra’s mainstream career arrived in the summer of 2001. She originally released her signature track, "Miracles Happen (When You Believe)," on her self-titled sophomore studio album, Myra, in June 2001. Just two months later, The Princess Diaries premiered in theaters nationwide, instantly becoming a massive box office hit and a beloved cultural phenomenon. The inclusion of "Miracles Happen (When You Believe)" during key sequences of the movie—most notably when Mia embraces her royal destiny and shares a heartwarming romance and transformation arc—elevated the song from a standard soundtrack contribution into a bona fide anthem of empowerment.
The synergistic success of the film and its accompanying album propelled Myra into the spotlight, cementing her position as one of Disney’s original pop princesses. Her bright, energetic vocal performance matched the uplifting themes of the film, resonating deeply with young audiences who saw in Mia a reflection of their own awkwardness, aspirations, and dreams of greatness. The song became a staple of early-2000s radio, compilation CDs, and school dances, capturing a specific brand of turn-of-the-millennium pop optimism that fans still celebrate today.
Capitalizing on her rapid ascent, Myra’s career expanded beyond the recording studio and the silver screen. In 2001, she hit the road as a supporting act on Aaron Carter’s high-profile "Party" Tour, performing in front of massive arenas filled with enthusiastic young fans. The tour showcased her ability to command a live audience, translating her studio recordings into high-energy stage performances that solidified her teen-idol status.
Demonstrating her enduring dedication to her craft and her roots, Myra released her third studio album, Milagros, in October 2001, just months after the whirlwind launch of The Princess Diaries. The release highlighted her versatility as an artist capable of bridging English- and Spanish-language markets, a skill that would become increasingly valued in the broader music industry in the decades that followed.
Twenty-five years after she first lent her voice to the world of Gen-Z cinema, Myra remains active in the music industry, continuing to write, record, and pursue the passion that began when she was just a child singing on Spanish-language records in the late 1990s. As a new generation discovers The Princess Diaries through streaming platforms and anniversary retrospectives, the enduring legacy of "Miracles Happen (When You Believe)" ensures that Myra’s pioneering contribution to Disney history will not be forgotten. From her groundbreaking signing as the label’s first Latina and teen artist to her unforgettable status as a Y2K pop staple, Myra’s journey remains an inspiring chapter in the history of family entertainment and pop music alike.
