Emotional Recognition as a Disney Legend
The 31-year-old singer and actress, Miley Cyrus, who rose to fame as Hannah Montana, made history on Sunday, August 11, by becoming the youngest person to be named a Disney Legend. This prestigious title is reserved for individuals who have significantly impacted the Disney Corporation. At the D23 event in Anaheim, California, Cyrus stood on stage, visibly moved, and teary-eyed as the audience erupted in cheers.
The Legacy of Hannah Montana
“A little bit of everything has changed, … but at the same time, nothing has changed at all,” Cyrus expressed. “I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana.” She dedicated the award to Hannah Montana, her devoted fans, and everyone who helped her achieve her dreams, emphasizing, “This is the life.”
Reflecting on Her Journey
Before delving into her memories of Hannah Montana’s early days, Cyrus shared that she had prepared two speeches: one long and confident and another short, in case she felt overwhelmed. She provided an in-depth explanation of the show’s origins, revealing that she was not initially chosen for the role. “I had gotten a taste of what my life could be, and from that moment on, I did not want anything else,” she said.
Honoring Other Disney Legends
Alongside Miley Cyrus, other notable awardees included Angela Bassett, Colleen Atwood, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams.
A Cultural Phenomenon
In 2006, Miley Cyrus made her Disney Channel debut as Hannah Montana in the popular show of the same name. The series followed Miley Stewart (Cyrus), a typical teenager who secretly led a double life as the famous pop star Hannah Montana. The show aired for four seasons until 2011 and left a lasting impact on fans.
Celebrating 16 Years of Hannah Montana
In 2021, Cyrus celebrated the 16th anniversary of Hannah Montana’s premiere by sharing a video of herself performing “Hoedown Throwdown,” one of the show’s biggest hits. She reflected on the show’s impact on her life, saying, “The premiere of HM 16 years ago changed my life forever.” She thanked her fans for their loyalty and support, which allowed her to travel the world and perform for over a decade.