Emotional Miley becomes youngest-ever Disney Legend

Miley Cyrus, the talented singer and actress, recently received a prestigious honor at the Disney Legends Awards, held during the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, on August 11, 2024. At just 31 years old, Miley has made history by becoming the youngest person ever to be recognized as a Disney Legend. This award is a significant achievement, especially considering her rise to fame began when she portrayed the beloved character Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel. The show first aired in 2006 when Miley was only 13 years old. During the ceremony, Miley appeared emotional as she spoke about her journey and the pride she feels for having played Hannah Montana. She wore an oversized black blazer with padded shoulders and had long brown hair, and as she stood on stage, the purple lights illuminated her presence. Earlier this year, Miley also won her first Grammy Award for her hit song 'Flowers,' which topped the UK charts for an impressive ten weeks. When she accepted her award, the audience of 12,000 fans gave her a standing ovation, showcasing their admiration and support for her. Miley reflected on how much has changed since her days as a teenager playing a pop star leading a double life, yet she also expressed that some things have remained the same. As part of the celebration, country singer Lainey Wilson performed one of Hannah Montana's most popular songs, 'The Best of Both Worlds,' as Miley was introduced on stage. Miley shared a heartfelt memory of her first performance as Hannah Montana, recalling how they needed footage of her performing in front of a sold-out crowd, but at that time, no one knew who she was. She humorously recounted how tickets for her first concert were given away at a shopping center, where she performed as a little girl in a blonde wig with a big dream. Miley dedicated her award to Hannah Montana and her loyal fans, quoting the character by saying, 'This Is The Life. ' Miley played Hannah Montana for five years, and during that time, she became a household name. She also made a lighthearted joke about the rumors that Disney kids are created in a lab, saying, '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's image transformed significantly when she released her fourth album, 'Bangerz,' in 2013. That same year, she made headlines with a provocative performance alongside Robin Thicke at the MTV VMAs, which became one of the most talked-about moments in pop culture. The Disney Legends Awards ceremony was not just about Miley; it also honored other iconic figures in the entertainment industry. Harrison Ford, known for his roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, was also recognized as a Disney Legend. At 82 years old, Harrison expressed his gratitude and a bit of embarrassment for receiving such an honor. He shared his love for storytelling and the incredible people he has had the privilege to work with throughout his career. Jamie Lee Curtis, who won an Oscar for her role in 'Everything Everywhere All At Once,' was introduced by Lindsay Lohan, who played her daughter in the 2003 film 'Freaky Friday. ' Jamie became emotional during her speech, stating, 'The truth is, legends aren't formed. They're created when they're nurtured and educated. ' The event celebrated not only the stars but also many talented individuals behind the scenes. In total, numerous contributors were recognized, including composer John Williams and Disneyland's first full-time black tour guide, Martha Blanding. The Disney Legends Awards served as a beautiful tribute to the hard work and dedication of those who have made significant impacts in the entertainment world, showcasing the importance of creativity and storytelling in shaping our culture.