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Miley Cyrus: From pop star to Disney legend
A night to remember
Miley Cyrus, the multi-talented artist who first captured our hearts as the star of “Hannah Montana,” has added another accolade to her impressive career. This year, she not only became a first-time Grammy winner but was also honored as a Disney Legend. The ceremony, held at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, was a star-studded affair, celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy.
A heartfelt introduction
Country music star Lainey Wilson took the stage to introduce Cyrus, performing a lively rendition of the “Hannah Montana” classic, “The Best of Both Worlds”. After her performance, Wilson expressed her admiration for Cyrus, saying, “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.”
Embracing fear and courage
Cyrus, visibly moved, shared a poignant message with the audience. “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, wiping away tears.
Reflecting on her journey
Recalling her early days with Disney, Cyrus humorously noted, “In 2005, Disney was on a mission to rebuild the company. That’s why they hired Bob Iger, and me.” She continued, “I stand here still proud to have been ‘Hannah Montana.’ 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.'”
Honoring a legacy
The ceremony also honored other notable figures, including costume designer Colleen Atwood, actress Angela Bassett, Disney Parks cast member Martha Blanding, filmmaker James Cameron, and many more. The Disney Legends awards program is a hall of fame for individuals who have had a significant impact on the Disney legacy, with past honorees including Christina Aguilera, Stan Lee, Betty White, and Oprah Winfrey.
From tween star to global icon
Cyrus’ journey with Disney began when she was just a tween, starring in the massively popular Disney Channel comedy “Hannah Montana” as an ordinary girl with a pop star double life. The series was a cultural phenomenon, drawing an average of 4.4 million viewers per episode and still holding the record for the highest-rated basic cable series telecast ever from a 2007 episode that notched 10.7 million viewers.
Expanding her horizons
Beyond “Hannah Montana,” Cyrus voiced Penny in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ feature “Bolt” alongside John Travolta. She earned a Golden Globe nomination for her song from the project, “I Thought I Lost You.” Over the years, she shed her squeaky-clean image with grown-up hits like “We Can’t Stop”, “Wrecking Ball”, and “Malibu”, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
A return to roots
Last year, Cyrus returned to her roots with the Disney+ documentary concert special “Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions)”. The special was a nostalgic nod to her early days, blending her past and present in a heartfelt performance.
A young legend
At just 31 years old, Cyrus is now the youngest person ever to be named a Disney Legend. Her journey from a tween star to a global icon is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering authenticity. As she continues to evolve and inspire, there’s no doubt that Miley Cyrus will remain a beloved figure in the entertainment world for years to come.
