Miley Cyrus Honored As Youngest Ever Disney Legend

Miley Cyrus has made history by becoming the youngest-ever star to receive Disney Legend status, an honor bestowed upon her during a special ceremony at the D23 fan convention on Sunday.

The 31-year-old singer and actress, who first rose to fame at the age of 13 playing the titular role in Disney Channel’s HANNAH MONTANA, was visibly emotional as she accepted the prestigious award in front of a crowd of 12,000 fans at the Honda Centre in Anaheim, California, the home of Disneyland.

In a heartfelt speech, Miley reflected on her journey from a young girl with big dreams to a global superstar, expressing her enduring pride in the role that launched her career. “A little bit of everything has changed since my breakout role, but at the same time, nothing has changed at all,” she told the audience. “In reality, I was a little girl in a blonde wig at the mall with a big dream. But in my heart, I was Hannah Montana, and I was so proud to be.”

The ceremony began with country singer Lainey Wilson performing one of HANNAH MONTANA’s most iconic tracks, THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS, as Miley was brought out on stage. The performance and the moment clearly moved Miley, who recalled her first performance as Hannah with tears in her eyes.

Earlier this year, Miley won her first Grammy Award for her hit single FLOWERS, which was recognized as 2023’s Record of the Year. The track dominated the charts, spending 10 weeks at number one in the UK, further cementing Miley’s place in music history.

During her acceptance speech, Miley dedicated the Disney Legend award to her iconic character and the fans who have supported her throughout her career. “This award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing, loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality,” she said. She closed her speech with a nod to her famous character, quoting, “To quote the legend herself, ‘This Is The Life.'”

The standing ovation from the audience underscored the impact Miley has had on pop culture, both as Hannah Montana and as a successful solo artist. Her journey from a Disney Channel star to a Grammy-winning musician and now a Disney Legend is a testament to her talent, resilience, and enduring appeal.