She's truly embraced the sweetest symphony of success: Miley Cyrus, a fresh-faced Grammy champion this year, has now been enshrined as a Disney Legend, a title that resonates with magic and legacy. As Lainey Wilson captivated the audience with her vibrant take on "The Best of Both Worlds," a timeless Hannah Montana anthem, she elegantly introduced Cyrus, showering her with accolades. "Miley, I owe you a debt of gratitude for daring to defy conventions, steadfastly remaining true to your authentic self, and above all, consistently shattering barriers with your undeniable prowess," Wilson exclaimed, her words echoing through the hall.
Cyrus, her eyes glistening with emotion, shared a heartfelt secret from the realm of Disney Legends. "Let me whisper a little enchantment to all of you. As the keeper of untold tales, I reveal this: legends, too, tremble in the face of uncertainty. I'm quaking right here, but the key lies in pressing forward regardless. Each of you possesses that power, to conquer fear and triumph every day. It's legendary to be afraid and still soar. In the realm of trying, failure is but a myth," she said, tenderly brushing away tears.
Amidst laughter tinged with nostalgia, Cyrus recounted her journey, painting a vivid picture of her Disney destiny. "Back in 2005, Disney embarked on a grand quest to rebuild its kingdom, and that's where Bob Iger and I came in, hand in hand, as they cast me in the spellbinding world of 'Hannah Montana.' It was a moment that reshaped not just my story but Disney's legacy as well," she concluded, her voice filled with pride and wonder.
"I stand here, filled with unwavering pride, to have once been the iconic 'Hannah Montana,'" Cyrus declared, her voice resonating with emotion. "This prestigious award is a testament to Hannah, her unparalleled devotion of fans, and to every soul who transformed my dreams into tangible reality. As the legendary persona herself would eloquently phrase, 'This is the life,'" she added, echoing the timeless lyrics from the iconic 'Hannah Montana' song, imbuing the moment with nostalgia.
Amidst the star-dazzling spectacle of Sunday's ceremony at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Cyrus was revered alongside an illustrious array of luminaries: the visionary costume designer Colleen Atwood, the esteemed Angela Bassett, the beloved Disney Parks ambassador Martha Blanding, alongside industry titans like James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Marvel's legendary artist Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, the animation wizard Mark Henn, the voice magician Frank Oz, the charismatic Kelly Ripa, the imaginative Joe Rohde, and the legendary composer John Williams.
The Disney Legends program stands as a pantheon, honoring individuals whose fingerprints are indelibly etched on the storied legacy of Disney. Cyrus joins an esteemed roster that includes Christina Aguilera, Stan Lee, Betty White, and Oprah Winfrey, among others.
Her journey with the House of Mouse embarked at the dawn of her adolescence, as she captivated audiences worldwide in the blockbuster Disney Channel comedy 'Hannah Montana,' portraying an everyday girl leading a secret life as a pop sensation. This phenomenon sparked a global tour, a concert film, a feature-length movie, and catapulted Cyrus into stardom. With an average of 4.4 million viewers tuning in per episode, and a record-breaking 10.7 million viewers for a single 2007 telecast, it remains an unparalleled milestone in basic cable television history.
Cyrus later lent her voice to the enchanting character of Penny in Walt Disney Animation Studios' 'Bolt,' alongside John Travolta, earning a Golden Globe nomination for her heartfelt song, 'I Thought I Lost You.' As she evolved, she shed her wholesome image with grown-up anthems like 'We Can't Stop,' 'Wrecking Ball,' and 'Malibu,' yet gracefully returned to her roots last year with the enchanting Disney+ documentary concert special, 'Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions).'
At the youthful age of 31, Cyrus has etched her name in the annals of Disney history, becoming the youngest individual ever to be inducted into the prestigious ranks of Disney Legends.
