Miley Cyrus was recently honored at the D23 event in Anaheim, California, where she was named Disney’s youngest-ever Legend. The recognition brought her back to her days as the beloved Hannah Montana, a role that catapulted her to stardom between 2006 and 2011. As she took the stage to accept the award alongside 13 other Disney Legends, Miley became visibly emotional, reflecting on how much her time with Disney has shaped her career and her life. The crowd’s enthusiastic applause highlighted the enduring impact of her role on a generation of fans who grew up with her.
During her acceptance speech, Miley expressed deep gratitude to her fans, acknowledging the significant changes that have occurred since her Hannah Montana days. She credited her fanbase, affectionately known as “Smilers,” for their unwavering support, which has followed her through the various phases of her career. Despite the ups and downs, including a particularly wild period from 2013 to 2016 that she humorously referred to as a “malfunction” caused by a “bug in the Disney Kids lab,” Miley emphasized that she remains proud of her time as Hannah Montana and the legacy it left behind.
Miley Cyrus becomes the youngest Disney legend in history and her acceptance speech has me bawling ? pic.twitter.com/SwCUB7v5Cy
— Miley Nation (@MileyNation13) August 12, 2024
Miley also took a moment to reflect on how her career has evolved since her Disney days. She noted that while she has transformed into one of the best-selling female artists of all time, the lessons and experiences from her time as Hannah Montana have remained with her. This blend of her past and present success was something Miley celebrated, showing that she continues to cherish the role that made her a household name while also embracing the person she has become.
In closing her speech, Miley dedicated the Disney Legend award to Hannah Montana and her devoted fans, expressing how proud she is of her journey and the character that started it all. She ended with a nod to her iconic role, saying, “This is the life,” encapsulating the sentiment that, despite all the changes, she is grateful for the path that began with a blonde wig and a pop star alter ego. The recognition at D23 was not just a celebration of Miley’s achievements but also a reaffirmation of the special bond she shares with her fans and the Disney legacy she helped create.
