At the D23 Expo held in Anaheim on Sunday night, Miley Cyrus was celebrated as the youngest-ever Disney Legend, a prestigious accolade reserved for individuals who have made a profound impact on the Disney legacy.
This recognition marks a significant milestone in Cyrus’s illustrious career, which began with her role as Hannah Montana, according to Variety.
The ceremony featured a memorable introduction by Lainey Wilson, who performed a vibrant rendition of the Hannah Montana hit, The Best of Both Worlds.
Following the performance, Wilson lauded the 31-year-old Cyrus for her bravery and authenticity, stating, “Miley, I want to thank you for never being afraid to step outside the box, always staying true to yourself, and most importantly, always kicking butt,” Variety reported.
During her acceptance speech, Cyrus spoke candidly about the fears and challenges that come with success.
“I’m gonna let everybody get on a little Disney Legend secret. I’m the one that tells you what you’re not supposed to know. And what I want to say, is that legends get scared, too. I’m scared right now, but the difference is we do it anyway, and all of you can do that every single day. It’s legendary to be afraid and do it anyway. There is no such thing as failure when you try,” she said, according to Variety.
Reflecting on her Disney journey, Cyrus humorously recalled the company’s decision to hire her back in 2005 as part of its efforts to rejuvenate the brand.
“In 2005, Disney was on a mission to rebuild the company. That’s why they hired Bob Iger and me,” she joked.
She expressed her pride in her role as Hannah Montana, dedicating the award to the character and her devoted fans. “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,'” she added, referencing the iconic song from the series, according to Variety.
The event honoured several other distinguished individuals, including costume designer Colleen Atwood, actress Angela Bassett, Disney Parks cast member Martha Blanding, and filmmaker James Cameron, among others.
Disney’s Legends awards celebrate those who have significantly contributed to the company’s legacy.
Cyrus’s association with Disney began in her early teens with the hit series Hannah Montana, which captured a global audience and became a cultural phenomenon.
The show not only led to a successful world tour and a feature film but also secured Cyrus a place in the hearts of millions.
The series still holds the record for the highest-rated basic cable series telecast, with a 2007 episode drawing 10.7 million viewers, according to Variety.
Cyrus also lent her voice to Penny in Disney’s Bolt and earned a Golden Globe nomination for her song from the film.
Despite evolving her image with hits like We Can’t Stop and Wrecking Ball,’ she returned to her Disney roots with the 2023 Disney+ special, Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions).