The Mexican-American Singer Behind ‘The Princess Diaries’ Iconic Anthem
Twenty-five years after Disney's “Miracles Happen (When You Believe)," we look back at the Mexican-American singer who made it unforgettable
Credit: Instagram @officialmyramusic | Courtesy
The Princess Diaries is an iconic Disney movie, but do you remember the Mexican-American singer behind the movie soundtrack’s standout hit?
Her name is Myra, the voice behind one of Disney’s defining anthems of the 2000s, “Miracles Happen (When You Believe).” As the film celebrates its 25th anniversary, we’re looking back at the singer who helped make its soundtrack unforgettable.
Mayra Ambriz, better known as Myra, gave us one of Disney’s biggest anthems of the 2000s: “Miracles Happen (When You Believe).”
She got her start in music in 1997, releasing her debut album, “Mensajera del Amór,” at just 11. A few years later, in 2000, Myra signed with Walt Disney Records, becoming the label’s first teen artist—and first Latina artist.
Her first official Disney release, “Magic Carpet Ride,” arrived in May 2000 as part of the La Vida Mickey compilation album. Myra’s cover of “Dancing in the Street” by Martha and the Vandellas later became the soundtrack for the 2001 film, Recess: School’s Out.
“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.”
Myra originally released “Miracles Happen (When You Believe)” on her June 2001 album, Myra. After The Princess Diaries hit theaters in August 2001, the film and its soundtrack became an instant success. The moment helped make Myra one of Disney’s first pop princesses.
She also toured with Aaron Carter as the opener for his “Party” Tour in 2001 and released her third album, Milagros, in October 2001. Twenty-five years later, Myra is still making music and doing what she loves.
