At the 2024 D23 ceremony, Miley Cyrus made history by becoming the youngest recipient of the Disney Legend title. The moment was particularly poignant for Cyrus, who, at 12 years old, expressed her aspirations during her audition for Hannah Montana, wearing a shirt that proclaimed, “I should have my own TV show.” This role has since established her as a significant figure in pop culture.
During her acceptance speech, Cyrus humorously admitted to a secret: “I’m the one that tells you what you’re not supposed to know.” She openly showed her vulnerability, stating, “Legends get scared too. I’m scared right now… It’s legendary to be afraid and do it anyway. There’s no such thing as failure when you try.”
Country singer Lainey Wilson introduced Cyrus at the event by performing “Best of Both Worlds,” the theme song that catalyzed her successful career. Wilson acknowledged Cyrus’s influence, saying, “Thank you for never being afraid to step outside the box, always staying true to yourself, and most importantly, always kicking butt.”
Reflecting on her journey, Cyrus recalled her audition in 2005 and joked about Disney’s efforts to reshape the company. She embraced her past, including her infamous Bangerz era, noting that she is proud of her roots as Hannah Montana, a character who shaped her identity.
Cyrus reminisced about her early performances, sharing a memory of a show at Glendale Galleria where she began with “This Is the Life,” which was largely unknown to the audience. She expressed her pride in embodying the character of Hannah Montana, stating, “In my heart, I was Hannah Montana. And I was so proud to be her.”
As a montage of her career flashed on screen, Cyrus became emotional, dedicating her award to Hannah and her loyal fans, concluding with, “To quote the legend herself: ‘This is the life.’”