Miley Cyrus has become the youngest-ever star to receive Disney Legend status. The singer gained fame by playing Hannah Montana in the Disney Channel series, which premiered in 2006 when she was 13.
During an emotional speech at the fan convention D23 on Sunday, Miley expressed her continued pride in her role as Hannah Montana.
Earlier this year, she won her first Grammy for “Flowers,” which was recognized as 2023’s Record of the Year and spent 10 weeks at number one in the UK.
The 31-year-old received a standing ovation from the 12,000-strong crowd when she collected her award at the Honda Centre in Anaheim, California, home of Disneyland.
Addressing the audience, she remarked that “a little bit of everything has changed” since her breakout role as a teenager leading a double life as a pop star, “but at the same time, nothing has changed at all.”
‘A little girl with a big dream’
Miley Cyrus was brought out on stage as country singer Lainey Wilson performed one of Hannah Montana’s most popular tracks, “The Best of Both Worlds.”
Miley became emotional as she recounted her first performance as Hannah to the audience.
“We needed footage of her playing sold out concerts but no-one knew who she, aka Miley, was,” she said.
Tickets were given away at a shopping centre, she continued, “where I would have my first free concert”.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
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