Miley Cyrus is having a milestone year, becoming both a first-time Grammy winner and now being honored as a Disney Legend. At the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Cyrus was recognized alongside industry greats like Angela Bassett, Harrison Ford, and John Williams.
Lainey Wilson kicked off the tribute with a spirited performance of “The Best of Both Worlds,” a nod to Cyrus’s iconic role in Hannah Montana. After her performance, Wilson praised Cyrus for her authenticity and fearless approach to her career.
In her emotional acceptance speech, Cyrus shared a candid moment with the audience. “Legends get scared too,” she admitted, wiping away tears. “But the difference is we do it anyway. There’s no such thing as failure when you try.”
Cyrus reminisced about her early days with Disney, recalling the excitement and nerves of being cast as Hannah Montana in 2005. “I stand here still proud to have been ‘Hannah Montana,’” she said, dedicating the award to the character and her loyal fans. “This award is for Hannah and everyone who made my dream a reality.”
Cyrus’s career with Disney began when she was just a tween, starring in Hannah Montana, which became a cultural phenomenon. The show, which featured an average of 4.4 million viewers per episode, still holds the record for the highest-rated basic cable series telecast. Beyond television, Cyrus voiced Penny in Disney’s Bolt and earned a Golden Globe nomination for her song “I Thought I Lost You.”
While she later transitioned into more mature music with hits like “Wrecking Ball” and “Malibu,” Cyrus returned to her Disney roots last year with the documentary concert special Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions) on Disney+.
The Disney Legends award is a prestigious honor, celebrating those who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy, placing Cyrus in the company of past honorees like Stan Lee and Oprah Winfrey.
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