Miley Cyrus tears up as she becomes the youngest Disney Legend, honoring her Hannah Montana legacy.
On Sunday, August 11, Miley Cyrus made history by becoming the youngest person ever to be named a Disney Legend.
The honor was given to her at the D23 event in Anaheim, California, recognizing her significant contributions to The Walt Disney Company, especially her role as the beloved character Hannah Montana.
Cyrus, now 31, took the stage to accept the award with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. As she stood before the audience, she was visibly emotional, tearing up as the crowd erupted in applause.
The moment was a significant one for Cyrus, who has been in the public eye since she was a teenager, and it marked a full-circle moment for the star who started her career with Disney.
In her acceptance speech, Cyrus shared that she had prepared two speeches: one long and one short. The longer one was intended for the “badass” persona she’s often associated with, while the shorter one was in case she got too overwhelmed. She ended up choosing the latter, but not before reminiscing about her journey with Disney.
Cyrus began by recalling the early days of Hannah Montana, the hit show that premiered in 2006. The series, which ran for four seasons until 2011, followed the life of Miley Stewart, a seemingly ordinary teenager who secretly lived a double life as pop sensation Hannah Montana. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, catapulting Cyrus to stardom at a young age.
Despite her massive success, Cyrus joked in her speech that she “definitely wasn’t created in a lab” as a Disney kid, poking fun at the stereotype of manufactured child stars.
She then detailed the behind-the-scenes process that led to her landing the role, revealing that she wasn’t initially cast as Hannah Montana. However, once she got a taste of what her life could be, she was determined to make it happen.
“A little bit of everything has changed, but at the same time, nothing has changed at all,” Cyrus said, reflecting on how her life has evolved since her days as Hannah Montana. “I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana.”
The award, she said, was dedicated to the character of Hannah and to the fans who have supported her throughout the years. “In so many ways, this award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality,” Cyrus said.
She concluded her speech with a nod to one of the show’s iconic lines: “To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.’”
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, also spoke highly of Cyrus in a press release before the event. “To be named a Disney Legend is the highest honor our company can bestow on anyone, reserved for those whose talent and achievement have earned them an enduring place in our history,” Iger said.
He praised all of the 2024 Disney Legends, noting their extraordinary contributions across various Disney projects.
In addition to Cyrus, other honorees at the event included Angela Bassett, Colleen Atwood, James Cameron, Harrison Ford, and John Williams, among others. Each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on the world of Disney through their creative work.
Cyrus’s journey with Disney began when she was just 13 years old. After auditioning for the role of Hannah Montana, she quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in the world.
The show’s success led to the release of a movie, “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” in 2009, and a nationwide tour, the Best of Both Worlds Tour, in 2011.
Miley Cyrus on being the youngest ever Disney Legend at D23: “I stand here still proud to have been ‘Hannah Montana.’ This award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing, loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality. To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.'”
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Over the years, Cyrus has transitioned from her Disney Channel days to a successful music career, releasing hit songs like “Wrecking Ball” and “Party in the U.S.A.” Her latest single, “Flowers,” continues to climb the charts, proving that she’s still a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
Despite her evolution as an artist, Cyrus has never forgotten her roots. In 2021, she celebrated the 16th anniversary of Hannah Montana by sharing a video of herself performing “Hoedown Throwdown,” one of the character’s biggest hits.
“16 years ago, my life changed forever when HM premiered,” she wrote on social media. “Because of your loyalty and support, I’ve had the honor to travel the world for over a decade and perform for fans that bring so much greatness into my life.”
