Miley Cyrus has become the youngest-ever star to be awarded Disney Legend status. The honor recognizes her impact as the star of the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, which debuted in 2006 when Cyrus was just 13 years old.
Emotional Acceptance Speech- Miley Cyrus
During the D23 fan convention at the Honda Centre in Anaheim, California, Miley delivered an emotional speech to a 12,000-strong audience. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed pride in her role as Hannah Montana and acknowledged the series’ lasting influence on her life and career.
- First Performance: Miley Cyrus recounted her initial performance as Hannah, where tickets were given away at a mall for her first free concert. Despite being a young girl in a blonde wig, she felt the immense pride of being Hannah Montana.
- Gratitude to Fans: She dedicated her award to Hannah Montana, her loyal fans, and everyone who helped realize her dreams. Quoting a line from the series, she said, “This Is The Life.”
- Transition from Disney: Miley humorously addressed rumors about Disney kids being “created in a lab,” joking about her own “malfunction” between 2013 and 2016. This period marked her departure from the Disney image, notably with the release of her fourth album, Bangerz, in 2013.
Recent Success
Earlier this year, Miley Cyrus won her first Grammy for her song Flowers, recognized as 2023’s Record of the Year. The track spent 10 weeks at number one in the UK.
Other Disney Legends Honored
Harrison Ford
Renowned actor Harrison Ford was also named a Disney Legend. Known for his roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Ford expressed gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the privilege of being a storyteller.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis was honored as well, introduced by Lindsay Lohan, her co-star in Freaky Friday. Curtis, who won an Oscar last year for Everything Everywhere All At Once, emphasized the importance of nurturing and education in the creation of legends.
Additional Honorees
In total, 14 individuals were recognized as Disney Legends at the event. Notable figures included:
- John Williams: Esteemed composer known for his iconic film scores.
- Colleen Atwood: Acclaimed costume designer.
- Martha Blanding: Disneyland’s first full-time black tour guide, celebrated for her pioneering contributions.
