The curtain rises, not in a theater this time, but in the glow of a camera flash and a question: Who does Hollywood’s newest darling blast through her earbuds? Meet Maia Kealoha, the 8-year-old force of sunshine breathing life into Disney’s 2025 live-action
Lilo in Lilo & Stitch.
Off-screen, she charms just as effortlessly. With her lively spirit and unmistakable charisma, it is no surprise that audiences are just as captivated by the girl behind the character.
While Maia Kealoha lights up the screen as Lilo, her playlist reveals an even brighter side, one filled with chart-topping queens and dreams as big as her Hollywood debut.
The two singers behind Maia Kealoha’s unique musical inspiration revealed
The young Hawaiian actress, Maia Kealoha, recently shared more than just acting talent; she revealed her musical inspirations in an interview with MTV UK
, naming Olivia Rodrigo and Doja Cat as her two favorite singers.
The 8-year-old also expressed her wish to someday meet both pop stars, along with Wednesday
actress Jenna Ortega. Cast in Lilo & Stitch
after a wide national search at just five years old, Kealoha impressed director Dean Fleischer Camp from day one with her natural enthusiasm and initiative, and with her choice in singers proves that talent attracts talent.
‘Lilo & Stitch’ star Maia Kealoha named Olivia Rodrigo and Doja Cat as her favorite singers. pic.twitter.com/cP8ybtBDG1
— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) May 25, 2025
At the box office, Maia Kealoha’s star power proved just as mighty. The live-action film Lilo & Stitch
scored a massive $55 million opening Friday
, according to Variety, and is on track for a holiday weekend haul between $175 million and $180 million, leaving Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
in its cosmic dust. Critics singled out Kealoha’s performance as a standout, with one emotional scene nailed on the very first take.
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As fans celebrate her big-screen triumph, they are just as enchanted by her playlist, proving Maia Kealoha’s star power hits both the box office and the Bluetooth with equal brilliance.
Maia Kealoha’s musical picks mirror her charm, sparking fan love
Maia Kealoha’s musical picks delighted fans, who flooded social media with praise for her adorable and relatable taste.
Her choices feel like a mirror of her own charm, part heartfelt, part dazzling. While Disney’s Lilo & Stitch
(2025) has been dazzling audiences since its May 23 debut, it has yet to arrive on Netflix’s treasure trove
or Disney’s delightful Disney+. Fans can expect it to stream by late August or September 2025, but for now, they are loving Kealoha’s charming musical picks.
Three icons pic.twitter.com/gtxxC9C7fM
— 𐚁 (@ihatethesegays) May 25, 2025
Taste
— szasoomf (@szasoomf) May 25, 2025
Aww she’s adorable pic.twitter.com/6BcIvnjgZv
— Hathor𓋹 (@sekhmet1212) May 25, 2025
While many praised Maia Kealoha’s music picks, some pushed back, saying she is too young to listen to artists like Doja Cat.
I don’t think doja’s music is for kids oml 😭
— papita frita (@papitafrita2003) May 25, 2025
Taste but she’s too young to be listening to doja 😭
— rayaasobssedwithznh (@Onlyrayaa1o1) May 25, 2025
In the meantime, Disney+ subscribers can revisit the original 2002 animated Lilo & Stitch
to fill the gap.
For news about the live-action film’s streaming date, fans should follow Disney’s official updates and check the Disney+ platform. With her love for Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, and all things music and culture, Maia Kealoha proves that the newest wave of stars are not just actors, they are fans, dreamers, and scene-stealers in every sense of the word.
Read More: Olivia Rodrigo Owes It to Fans Achieving a Historic Spotify Milestone With ‘Sour’
What are your thoughts on Maia Kealoha’s music choices? Let us know in the comments below.