Miley Cyrus, at 31, has made history as the youngest person ever to be named a Disney Legend, receiving the prestigious honor during the D23 Fan Expo in Anaheim, California. The award celebrates her remarkable contributions to Disney, particularly her role as Hannah Montana, a character that catapulted her to global fame.
Emotional Acceptance at D23
Cyrus, who first captured hearts as the star of Hannah Montana in 2006, was visibly emotional as she accepted the award in front of a crowd of 12,000 fans. Recalling her early days with Disney, Cyrus shared, “I was a little girl with a big dream, proud to be Hannah Montana.” She emphasized her continued pride in the role that shaped her career and dedicated the award to the character and her loyal fans.
A Journey from Tween Star to Music Icon
Miley Cyrus’s journey with Disney began when she was just 13, playing the dual role of Miley Stewart and her pop star alter ego, Hannah Montana. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with an average of 4.4 million viewers per episode and a 2007 episode setting a record as the highest-rated basic cable series telecast, drawing 10.7 million viewers.
After her Disney Channel success, Cyrus transitioned to a music career, distancing herself from her squeaky-clean image with hits like “Wrecking Ball” and “We Can’t Stop.” However, she has never completely severed ties with her Disney roots, as evidenced by her recent Disney+ documentary concert special, Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions).
Honoring a Legacy
Cyrus was one of 14 honorees at this year’s Disney Legends Awards, alongside notable figures like Harrison Ford, Jamie Lee Curtis, Angela Bassett, and composer John Williams. The Disney Legends Awards celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy, with past honorees including icons like Stan Lee, Betty White, and Oprah Winfrey.
Lainey Wilson, who introduced Cyrus at the ceremony with a performance of “The Best of Both Worlds,” praised her for always staying true to herself and pushing boundaries. In her acceptance speech, Cyrus reflected on the challenges and triumphs of her career, stating, “Legends get scared, too, but we do it anyway.”
Conclusion
Miley Cyrus’s recognition as a Disney Legend marks a full-circle moment in her career, from a young girl with a big dream to a global superstar. Her journey continues to inspire, and this latest honor cements her place in the pantheon of Disney greats. As she looks ahead, Cyrus remains proud of her past and excited for what’s to come, all while continuing to push the boundaries of her artistry.
Sources
- BBC: Emotional Miley becomes youngest-ever Disney Legend
- CNN: Emotional Miley becomes youngest-ever Disney Legend
- Variety: Miley Cyrus Honored as Youngest-Ever Disney Legend at D23: ‘It’s Legendary to Be Afraid and Do It Anyway’
- USAToday: Miley Cyrus cries making history as youngest Disney Legend, credits ‘Hannah Montana’
- pictures can be found on instagram @mileycyrus, @justjared, and @outofcontexthannahmontana
