At the D23 Expo in Anaheim on Sunday night, Miley Cyrus was honored as the youngest-ever Disney Legend, a prestigious title awarded to individuals who have made a significant impact on the Disney legacy. This recognition marks a major milestone in Cyrus’s illustrious career, which began with her iconic role as Hannah Montana, according to Variety.
The ceremony featured a memorable introduction by Lainey Wilson, who delivered a vibrant performance of the ‘Hannah Montana’ hit, ‘The Best of Both Worlds.’ Following the performance, Wilson praised the 31-year-old Cyrus for her bravery and authenticity, stating, “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,” Variety reported.
In her acceptance speech, Cyrus candidly discussed the fears and challenges associated with success. “I’m gonna let everybody in on a little Disney Legend secret. I’m the one who 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, as per Variety.
Reflecting on her Disney journey, Cyrus humorously recalled the company’s decision to hire her in 2005 as part of its effort to rejuvenate the brand. “In 2005, Disney was on a mission to rebuild the company. That’s why they hired Bob Iger and me,” she joked.
She dedicated the award to her character Hannah Montana and her loyal fans. “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,'” she added, referencing the iconic song from the series, as per Variety.
The event also honored other distinguished individuals, including costume designer Colleen Atwood, actress Angela Bassett, Disney Parks cast member Martha Blanding, and filmmaker James Cameron. Disney’s Legends awards celebrate those who have significantly contributed to the company’s legacy.
Cyrus’s association with Disney began in her early teens with the hit series ‘Hannah Montana’, which captured a global audience and became a cultural phenomenon. The show led to a successful world tour and a feature film, securing Cyrus a place in the hearts of millions. It also holds the record for the highest-rated basic cable series telecast, with a 2007 episode drawing 10.7 million viewers, according to Variety.
Cyrus also voiced Penny in Disney’s ‘Bolt’ and earned a Golden Globe nomination for her song from the film. Despite evolving her image with hits like ‘We Can’t Stop’ and ‘Wrecking Ball,’ she returned to her Disney roots with the 2023 Disney+ special, ‘Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions)’.
(With ANI Inputs)
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