Miley Cyrus became the youngest legend inducted by Disney during the D23 fan event on Sunday. The singer, 31, gave an emotional speech to remember her most iconic role of Hannah Montana in the hit Disney Channel series. Cyrus first took the role in 2006 at the tender age of thirteen.
Then, the 29-year-old “Wrecking Ball” crooner performed during the convention held at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California right after the performance of Lainey Wilson for her song, “The Best of Both Worlds.” Cyrus went on stage where 12,000 had a standing ovation. “I’m definitely going to cry,” said the Wrecking Ball singer.
Jokingly, she said she had two speeches: “one long, if I’m the badass that I’m supposed to be, and one short if I get scared.” Reflecting on her Disney Channel days, Cyrus said she would always be “proud” of playing Hannah Montana.
“They were giving away tickets in Glendale mall where I was going to play my very first free concert. The first song I opened up with I think was titled This Is the Life, which, of course, no one knew because, in reality, it was just a little girl in a blond wig at the mall with a big dream,” she remembered. “But in my heart, I was Hannah Montana, and I was so proud to be.”
“A little bit of everything has changed since that day, but at the same time, nothing has changed at all,” Cyrus, whose hit song was “Angels Like You,” explained.
“I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana because she made Miley in so many ways. This award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing, loyal fans and to everyone who has made my dream a reality. To quote the legend herself, this is the life,” Cyrus added.