At the D23 Expo in Anaheim on Sunday night, Miley Cyrus was celebrated as the youngest Disney Legend ever, a prestigious accolade given to those who have greatly contributed to Disney’s legacy.
This honor represents a significant achievement in Cyrus’s career, which began with her famous role as Hannah Montana, as noted by Variety.
The ceremony included a standout performance by Lainey Wilson, who performed the ‘Hannah Montana’ hit, ‘The Best of Both Worlds.’ Wilson praised Cyrus for her courage and authenticity, stating, “Miley, thank you for always stepping out of the box, staying true to yourself, and, most importantly, always kicking butt,” according to Variety.
During her acceptance speech, Cyrus openly addressed the fears and difficulties of achieving success. “Here’s a little Disney Legend secret: even legends get scared. I’m scared right now, but we push through it, and so can you every day. It’s legendary to be afraid and still move forward. Failure only exists when you don’t try,” she shared, as per Variety.
Reflecting humorously on her Disney experience, Cyrus recalled the company’s 2005 efforts to revitalize its brand. “In 2005, Disney was looking to refresh itself, which is why they hired Bob Iger and me,” she joked.
She dedicated her award to her character Hannah Montana and her dedicated fans. “This award is for Hannah and all her amazing, loyal fans, and for everyone who helped make my dream come true. To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life,’” she said, referencing the iconic song from the series, according to Variety.
The event also recognized other notable figures such as costume designer Colleen Atwood, actress Angela Bassett, Disney Parks cast member Martha Blanding, and filmmaker James Cameron. Disney’s Legends awards honor those who have made significant contributions to the company.
Cyrus’s Disney journey began in her teens with the hit series *Hannah Montana*, which became a global sensation. The show led to a successful world tour and a feature film, cementing her place in the hearts of many. It also holds the record for the highest-rated basic cable series telecast, with a 2007 episode attracting 10.7 million viewers, according to Variety.
Cyrus also voiced Penny in Disney’s *Bolt* and received a Golden Globe nomination for her song from the film. Despite her evolving image with hits like *We Can’t Stop* and *Wrecking Ball*, she revisited her Disney roots with the 2023 Disney+ special, *Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions)*.