News USA : At the D23 Expo on August 11th, Miley Cyrus reached a significant milestone in her career, becoming the youngest person ever honored as a Disney Legend. The ‘Hannah Montana’ star was visibly moved as she accepted the prestigious award, marking a moment of reflection and celebration for both her and her fans.
Cyrus’s speech was a poignant blend of gratitude and vulnerability. The emotional weight of the moment was clear as she choked up and shared her feelings with the audience. “I’m definitely going to cry,” she admitted, her voice quivering. “I’m going to let everybody get in on a little Disney Legend secret: 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.”
This emotional speech was a tribute to her role as Hannah Montana, a character she first portrayed in 2006 at just 13 years old. Cyrus reflected on how the role was crafted to “rebuild and reimagine the Disney brand,” and expressed immense pride in having brought that character to life. “I stand here so proud to have been Hannah Montana because she made Miley in so many ways,” she said. “This award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality.”
Cyrus’s journey from a young Disney star to a global pop sensation is marked by numerous significant moments, and she shared a particularly memorable one during her acceptance speech. She recounted how her transition into the pop star era involved a unique promotional strategy. “Because Hannah Montana is a pop star, we needed footage of her playing sold-out concerts. But no one knew who she—aka Miley—was, so they gave away tickets at the Glendale mall for what would be my first free concert.” She described the event, which she also detailed in her 2009 book Miles to Go, as a pivotal experience. “In reality, I was a little girl in a blonde wig at the mall, but in my heart, I was Hannah Montana, and I was so proud to be.”
This nostalgic reflection highlighted how the character of Hannah Montana was not just a role, but a transformative experience that shaped her personal and professional life. Cyrus’s career since that initial role has seen significant changes, but she emphasized how, despite the evolution, the essence of who she is remains closely tied to her beginnings. “A lot has changed since that day, but at the same time, nothing has changed at all,” she said.
The Disney Legend award is a testament to Cyrus’s impact on the entertainment industry, particularly through her role in ‘Hannah Montana’. The character not only defined a significant portion of her early career but also became a cultural icon for a generation of fans. As she continues to evolve as an artist and public figure, the honor of being named a Disney Legend serves as a celebration of her enduring legacy and contributions to the Disney brand.
In her speech, Cyrus also underscored the broader message of perseverance and courage. “Legends get scared too,” she repeated, reinforcing the idea that even those who achieve legendary status face fears and challenges. “We do it anyway,” she encouraged, providing an inspiring call to action for her audience.
As Miley Cyrus looks back on her journey from a young Disney star to an acclaimed artist, the Disney Legend award represents not just a personal achievement but a recognition of her role in shaping and inspiring countless others. The heartfelt tribute to her iconic character and the shared experiences with her fans underscore the deep connection between her career and the beloved role of Hannah Montana.
With this honor, Miley Cyrus’s legacy as a Disney Legend is firmly cemented, celebrating both her past achievements and her ongoing influence in the world of entertainment.