Key Takeaways

• Coco Jones’ breakout role in Let It Shine introduced her to a generation of Disney Channel fans.
• Her early performances on shows like “So Random!” and “Good Luck Charlie” showcased her range and charisma.
• Behind-the-scenes photos and red-carpet moments highlight her early rise in the entertainment industry.

Before she was racking up Grammy nominations and going platinum with "ICU," Coco Jones was already a star in the making — leaving her mark in Disney Channel history. Born in South Carolina and raised in Tennessee, Jones was just a kid with a dream and talent that couldn’t be ignored. Her Disney Channel debut as Roxie in the 2012 hit movie Let It Shine, made her a household name. She kept the momentum going and had us cracking up as Coco Blue on “So Random!” and again in “Good Luck Charlie.” Basically, Disney knew what they were doing.

Fast forward to 2025, and Jones' debut studio album, Why Not More?, is out, her single "Here We Go (Uh Oh)" is two-time Grammy-nominated, and she’s a leading lady on “Bel-Air.” But before all of that, she was rocking gold Pastry kicks at her Sweet 16 and tearing up stages with Mindless Behavior. These 11 throwback photos are a reminder that she’s been in her bag for a long time.

1. On set of Let It Shine with Tyler James Williams

Before she was dropping soulful R&B bops and collecting awards, Coco Jones was holding it down on the Disney Channel stage, and this throwback is all the proof we need. Snapped on the set of Let It Shine alongside her co-star Tyler James Williams, she is seen living her Roxanne “Roxie” Andrews era in the 2012 musical that marked her breakout role. The film premiered on June 15, 2012, and quickly became a staple for every teen with a dream.

2. A sweet 16 birthday party hosted by Pastry Shoes

She turned up in style for her Sweet 16 — and yes, she did it in gold Pastry kicks. This throwback from 2014 shows her glowing at her birthday bash at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, hosted by Pastry Shoes.

3. Let It Shine cast performance at NAACP Image Awards Luncheon

Before Let It Shine hit our screens, Jones, alongside co-stars Williams and Trevor Jackson, lit up the stage at the 43rd annual NAACP Image Awards Nominees’ Luncheon. Held in the iconic Crystal Ballroom at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the trio debuted songs from the movie, including her solo performance of “Good to Be Home,” backed by a full choir and dancers.

4. Big smiles at the Adventures in Babysitting premiere

Now this is a Disney Channel deep cut! In 2016, she pulled up to celebrate the premiere of Adventures in Babysitting, the 100th Disney Channel Original Movie. It was a full-circle moment, DCOM royalty supporting DCOM history.

5. Let It Shine premiere

The young starlet lit up the red carpet at the Let It Shine premiere in Los Angeles back in 2012, serving teen glam in a Black and silver metallic dress paired with a silver chain and Black heels. She wore her hair in soft curls that framed her face perfectly, adding to the effortless shine of the night. A true Disney It Girl moment!

6. Winning a 2013 Radio Disney Music Award

This throwback photo shows her accepting her 2013 Radio Disney Music Award and giving her speech after winning “Funniest Celebrity Take.” That same night, she performed with Mindless Behavior, yes, it was that era!

7. “Good Luck Charlie” cameo

The singer/actress had us cracking up on “Good Luck Charlie” as Teddy’s (played by Bridgit Mendler) bestie, Kelsey. She popped in for a few episodes between 2012 and 2013. This snapshot is from Season 4’s “Fright Night,” where the crew goes Halloween caroling. She held her own alongside the cast, proving early on that she was a natural on screen.

8. Radio Disney's "Next BIG Thing" moment

During Radio Disney’s “Next BIG Thing’s” season five finale event in 2012 at The Americana at Brand, she performed like the star she was always meant to be. She first caught our attention on the competition series back in 2010, and her undeniable talent led her straight to a deal with Hollywood Records.

9. Lighting up the D23 Expo stage

She hit the D23 Expo stage in 2011 to perform for a crowd of Disney diehards at the Anaheim Convention Center. Long before the awards and red carpets, this was Jones in her element — young, hungry, and already stealing the show.

10. On tour with Mindless Behavior

By now, it is clear that she was outside and thriving in 2013! She hit the stage at The Paramount Theatre in Oakland as part of Mindless Behavior’s “All Around The World Tour.” This is a young star holding her own alongside some of the biggest teen acts of the time.

11. Being Coco Blue on the set of “So Random!”

Here’s a throwback to Jones in full character mode as Coco Blue on Disney Channel’s sketch comedy show “So Random!” This shot, snapped during season one alongside co-star Tiffany Thornton, is pure Disney nostalgia.