Miley Cyrus scripts history! Becomes youngest-ever Disney Legend
Miley Cyrus, the Grammy-winning singer and former Disney star, was honored as the youngest-ever Disney Legend at the D23 Expo in Anaheim on Sunday (local time). The 31-year-old was introduced by Lainey Wilson, who performed a rendition of The Best of Both Worlds, a classic from Cyrus's Disney show Hannah Montana. Wilson lauded Cyrus for her bravery and authenticity throughout her career. Cyrus, visibly moved by the honor, shared her feelings with the audience.
'I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana...'
After tearing up in front of the audience, Cyrus told how she prepared two speeches—"one long, [for] the badass I'm supposed to be, and one short if I get scared." "A little bit of everything has changed...but at the same time, nothing has changed at all," she continued. "I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana." "I'm scared right now, but the difference is we do it anyway," she added.
Take a look at her acceptance speech here
Cyrus's journey with Disney: From 'Hannah Montana' to 'Bolt'
For those unaware, Cyrus's association with Disney started with her role in Hannah Montana. In this popular Disney Channel comedy, she played an ordinary girl leading a double life as a pop star. The show drew an average of 4.4M viewers per episode and set a record for the highest-rated basic cable series telecast ever from a 2007 episode that garnered 10.7M viewers.
Cyrus's continued association with Disney
In addition to Hannah Montana, Cyrus lent her voice to the character Penny in Walt Disney Animation Studios's feature Bolt, earning a Golden Globe nomination for her song from the film, I Thought I Lost You. Despite transitioning to more mature music with hits like We Can't Stop, Wrecking Ball, and Malibu, Cyrus returned to Disney last year with the Disney+ documentary concert special Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions).
Other notable figures honored at the star-studded ceremony
Meanwhile, the star-studded ceremony saw other notable figures such as costume designer Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Harrison Ford, and John Williams being honored alongside the pop sensation. To note, the Disney Legends awards program recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted the Disney legacy. Past recipients include Christina Aguilera, Stan Lee, Betty White, and Oprah Winfrey.
