Miley Cyrus has become the youngest-ever star to receive Disney legend status. The singer rose to fame playing Hannah Montana in the Disney Channel series which first aired in 2006 when she was 13.In an emotional speech at fan convention D23 on Sunday, Miley said she was “still proud to have been Hannah Montana”.
She won her first Grammy earlier this year 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 to Disneyland. She said “a little bit of everything has changed” since her breakout role playing a teenager leading a double life as a pop star “but at the same time nothing has changed at all”. Miley Cyrus Disney Legend
Miley Cyrus Disney Legend
31 years old, Miley joins an elite group of Disney Legends including Julie Andrews and Robin Williams. The honor recognizes her incredible influence in entertainment, from the breakout role on “Hannah Montana” to her more diversified career in music and film.
It was a whirlwind of emotions, featuring highlights from Miley’s career and touching tributes from those who know her best. From being a child star with Hannah Montana to becoming a powerhouse in the music industry and beyond, Miley has indeed grown into something much bigger than what anyone could have ever imagined.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Miley couldn’t hold back tears. “This is a dream come true,” she said, her voice choked with emotion. “Disney has been such a huge part of my life, and being recognized like this is just incredible.”
The event was saturated with video clips of Miley’s most unforgettable moments. Her family and friends attended the ceremony to give their fullest support to Miley as she received her honorary award. Being recognized as a Disney Legend so young would mark a massive milestone for Miley and represent how long-lasting the effects would be on this fan-loving figure.
The Disney Legend award, established in 1987, honors individuals who have made a significant mark on the Disney brand. Miley’s addition to this prestigious list underscores her remarkable achievements and her ongoing connection with fans.
As the ceremony ended, the audience gave Miley a standing ovation for her incredible journey and continued success. Miley Cyrus’s recognition as a Disney Legend is a testament to her talent and the special place she holds in the hearts of so many.
‘A little girl with a big dream’
Country singer Lainey Wilson performed one of Hannah Montana’s most popular tracks, The Best of Both Worlds, while Miley was brought out on stage.
She broke into tears as she shared with the audience the first performance of Hannah. “We needed footage of her playing sold out concerts but no-one knew who she, aka Miley, was,” she said. She continued, “Tickets were given away at a shopping centre, 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 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.”
Miley also poked fun at herself in her speech, joking that “definitely wasn’t created in a lab”, referencing rumors that Disney kids are created in the Californian Disney office.
“If I was, there must have been a bug in the system which caused me to malfunction somewhere between the years of 2013 and 2016.”Miley left behind her Disney kid image with the 2013 released of her fourth album, Bangerz.In the same year she did a duet of We Can’t Stop with Blurred Lines singer Robin Thicke at the MTV VMAs. The performance was so provocative it even drew criticism from the inventor of the foam finger — a prop Miley used in memorable ways during the show. Miley wasn’t the only star honoured at the convention – Star Wars and Indiana Jones actor Harrison Ford was also named as a Disney Legend, along with Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis.
Harrison said he was “really delighted and a little bit embarrassed” to be honoured but also “so very grateful”. “I have the privilege of being a storyteller, an assisted storyteller,” the 82-year-old said.
“I love the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with.” Jamie was introduced by Mean Girls star Lindsay Lohan, who played her daughter in the 2003 version of Freaky Friday. They’re due to reprise their roles next year in the sequel, Freakier Friday.
Jamie, who won an Oscar last year for Everything Everywhere All At Once, was also visibly emotional during the ceremony. “The truth is, legends aren’t formed,” the 65-year-old told the audience.
in summery
“They are born when they are nourished and educated.” Not just stars were feted at the ceremony. In all, 14 people were recognized as Disney Legends at the event. They include composer John Williams, costume designer Colleen Atwood and Disneyland’s first ever full-time black tour guide, Martha Blanding.
Miley Cyrus was named the youngest Disney Legend at the D23 fan convention held at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Miley was just 31 years old when she received this highly respected honor in a highly emotional ceremony recognizing her enormous influence on Disney and entertainment.
Miley, who was first known as a teen sensation playing Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel since 2006, reflected on her journey during her acceptance speech. She said that she is proud of the character of Hannah Montana and remembered doing mall shows with big dreams. Her words were heart-felt as she dedicated her award to Hannah Montana and her faithful fans.
The event honored other Disney Legends, which included Harrison Ford and Jamie Lee Curtis. Ford was actually recognized for his roles in “Star Wars” and “India”.
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