The Last Disney Princess?

Miley Cyrus is a teen phenomenon whose television show, c.d's and concerts are wildly consumed by her loyal tween base. "The Hannah Montana brand includes 15 million related books sold, two multi-platinum records, a sold-out concert tour and film, as well as fan gear, like lunch boxes, bed sheets and MP3 players. Reports in the New York Times and New York Post suggest that if her popularity continues to grow, the teen star could be worth $1 billion by the time she is 18. " Source: Susan James, author of "Should 'Hannah Montana' be sexy?"

But now Miley's image that has long rested on her being a wholesome teenage role models is being tarnished by a "revealing" photo shoot by Annie Leobovitz (controversial photo shown above). The photo which one can judge for themselves is being said to be highly provocative for the 15 year old, and Disney is speaking out that the young star was manipulated by Vanity Fair for their own self promotion.

Photos like these are not unusual in 2003, a 16 year old former Disney mousekeeter, named Britney Spears posed for a racy cover of Rolling Stone magazine. The cover introduced Britney's sexuality and it wasn't long before she was dancing half naked with snakes and singing songs like "I'm a Slave for You". Jamie Lynn Spears is another Disney princess gone array, the 16 year old star of Zoey 101 recently revealed she is expecting a child.

Child stars gone wild is not a new phenomenon, it's a trend that just continues to repeat itself. However, call me nuts but I don't think Miley Cyrus is going to be another Britney, in the past Miley has demonstrated responsibility in her new found celebrity and has publicly stated she tries to be a role model for her young fans.

Miley has come out and publicly apologized for the photographs that she says she's "embarrassed" of. My opinion of the photo: The only thing that shocks me about it is how badly she needs a tan. I think she still has a chance of being the celebrity that young girls can look up to, hang in there Miley! These teenage years will be the biggest temptation to sexualize your image, but it's possible to make it to the other side, just look at Hilary Duff ( a former Disney princess).