Miley Cyrus broke down in tears when she was announced as the 2024 Disney Legends Awards’ youngest Disney Legend last Sunday. The 31-year-old former Disney Channel star gave an emotional statement to mark her honor during the unique ceremony held at Disney’s D23 Expo at the Honda Centre in Anaheim, California, which is the home of Disneyland.
A Disney Legend refers to a person who has made a lasting impact on the business and the industry and is honored with this award. The Walt Disney Company’s CEO, Bob Iger, said that The Disney Legends Award is the highest honor that Disney offers. It is presented as a sincere expression of Disney’s heartfelt appreciation and a celebration of talent and achievement. Disney Legends are bound to uphold the special status in Disney’s history that they have earned for their extraordinary contributions to the delight and entertainment of fans all over the world.
Miley was chosen to play pop singer Hannah Montana in 2006, and she did so for five years. Since her breakthrough performance as a young pop star living a double life, she told the audience, “a little bit of everything has changed but at the same time nothing has changed at all.”
As country music performer Lainey Wilson performed The Best of Both Worlds, one of Hannah Montana’s most well-known songs, Miley was brought out on stage. Wilson also thanked Miley for “never being afraid to step outside the box.”
She broke down in tears as she related to the crowd her first performance as Hannah. She said that they needed footage of her playing sold out concerts but no-one knew who she was. “It would be my first free concert,” she continued, referring to a retail center where tickets were given out. “But in my heart I was Hannah Montana and I was so proud to be,” she remarked, “even though in reality I was just a little kid at the mall with a big dream and a blonde wig.”
Miley thanked her fans by saying that being Hannah Montana still makes her feel appreciated. In addition to Hannah and all of her amazing, loyal fans, this award is dedicated to everyone who has assisted her in achieving her goals.
