Miley Cyrus Celebrates 20 Years of ‘Hannah Montana’ with Disney+ Special
Miley Cyrus revisited her roots as Miley Stewart and “Hannah Montana” to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the beloved Disney Channel series. The singer appeared on the red carpet Monday evening, March 23, alongside cast members in Los Angeles to celebrate the milestone.
The original series premiered on March 24, 2006, on Disney Channel, starring Miley Stewart, a middle school student leading a double life as a pop sensation. The anniversary special is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
A Nostalgic Reunion and New Music
The special features musical performances, including a rendition of the series’ theme song, “The Best of Both Worlds,” and a new song dedicated to Cyrus’ younger self. Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley’s father, was also present, and the pair attempted to recreate a memorable handshake from the show. Guests included Selena Gomez, who played a rival character, and singer-songwriter Chappell Roan, who discussed Miley Cyrus’ influence on her career.
Cyrus Reflects on Fame and Family
During the premiere, Miley Cyrus expressed gratitude to her castmates and fans, stating, “Without you, this series would never have been what it is, and I like to say how it is, not how it was.”
In an interview with Variety, Cyrus highlighted her parents’ role in navigating her early fame. “They didn’t require me to be famous to survive or have a stable life. Many of these kids find that their parents aim for it more than they do, or they find themselves having to provide the entire family income. That’s never been the case with me. Every penny I earned went into my bank account because my parents were generous.” She emphasized the importance of her father’s presence on set, providing a protective shield against potential exploitation: “There was nothing that could happen that he wasn’t aware of. I was never alone in that dressing room.”
Addressing Past Struggles
Cyrus also opened up about her past struggles with addiction, which she overcame in 2020. “It is not surprising that he has had experiences with drugs and alcohol. I was so used to living in a state of euphoria, and I don’t suppose I ever learned how to get off that spiral. Now, with a clearer perspective, I can have compassion and understanding for myself,” she told Variety. She expressed optimism about her current life, adding, “My life is wonderful. I no longer feel like I’m swimming against the current.”
The ‘Hannahversary’ Special
The “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special,” which premiered on Disney+ on March 24, features an interview between Miley Cyrus and “Call Her Daddy” podcast host Alex Cooper . Cyrus explained that the special was her way of honoring the fans who grew up with the show, believing it would be more inclusive than a live concert. She also revealed she proactively promoted the special before it was officially approved, inspired by advice from Dolly Parton to “speak something into existence.”
Worth a look