Miley Cyrus couldn’t hold back her tears as she accepted her Disney Legend award at the D23 ceremony on Aug. 11, making history as the youngest recipient ever.
Reflecting on her journey, Miley, known for her role as Hannah Montana, shared her heartfelt thoughts. ‘Legends get scared too,’ she said, emphasizing the importance of pushing through fear. ‘There is no such thing as failure when you try.’
The singer reminisced about her time as Hannah Montana, a role she began when she was just 13. ‘Hannah was created to rebuild and reimagine the Disney brand,’ Miley noted. She dedicated her award to the character and her loyal fans, saying, ‘This is the life.’
Miley’s speech was filled with nostalgia as she recounted her early Hannah Montana days. For instance, she remembered her first free concert at Glendale Mall, which marked the beginning of her pop star journey. ‘In reality, I was a little girl in a blonde wig at the mall. But in my heart, I was Hannah Montana,’ she recalled.
Her journey from a childhood nickname ‘Smiley’ to Miley Ray Cyrus is a testament to her evolution. Dolly Parton, her godmother, recognized the star’s potential early on, jokingly calling Miley her ‘fairy goddaughter.’
From her first acting gig on her dad Billy Ray’s TV series to her audition for Hannah Montana, Miley’s rise to fame was meteoric. Despite initial doubts due to her young age, she secured the role that would redefine her career. The success of Hannah Montana made Miley one of Hollywood’s most popular young stars.
Miley’s personal life also drew significant attention. Her relationship with Nick Jonas started at 13 and inspired her breakup anthem ‘7 Things.’ Her on-and-off relationship with Liam Hemsworth, culminating in a marriage and subsequent split, was widely followed.
Her public image took a hit with a viral bong video and a controversial endorsement loss. However, Miley has been open about her journey towards sobriety, inspired by the tragic early deaths of musical icons. Her Happy Hippie Foundation further illustrates her commitment to making a difference.
Miley’s career has had its ups and downs, from the trauma of losing her Malibu home in the wildfires to her emergency plane landing in 2022. Through it all, she has remained resilient, continually pushing the boundaries of her craft.
Miley’s journey, from her humble beginnings to becoming a Disney Legend, is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Her emotional speech at the D23 ceremony highlighted not only her growth as an artist but also her enduring connection to her fans.
