If you were born in the 90s or 2000s, you will surely recognize the name Miley Cyrus instantly, and you likely associate her with the character that brought her to fame in 2006: Hannah Montana.

On August 11 of this year, 18 years after the premiere of this series, its protagonist was honored as the youngest Legend of Disney. The singer attended the tribute and gave a speech where she moved and shocked her fans.

Now, why is this event so impactful?

The Phenomenon

Beyond being one of the most successful Disney Channel shows, Hannah Montana (2006) was a cultural phenomenon. A series that tells the story of a girl with a double life; who transformed into a superstar with a blonde wig. A project that impacted an entire generation, which to this day remains in the hearts of those who watched and grew up with this character.

2011 - Post-Disney

After the end of its broadcast and her time at Disney, Miley continued to pursue acting, making movies like "The Last Song" (2010) and "So Undercover" (2012). She also continued her music career, with songs that also left a mark on culture like "Party in the USA" (2009) and "Can't Be Tamed" (2010), the latter being the focus of one of her first "controversies" for being a disruptive style compared to her "Hannah" era.

From Wrecking Ball to Flowers

Up to this point in her story, the actress maintained a style heavily influenced by the rock genre, trending outfits in the 2010s, and iconic hair extensions.

The major turning point came when she released the music video for her song "Wrecking Ball" in 2013, along with her viral performance at that year's VMAs. This was something not only different from the image she had always maintained before the public but was also a style rarely seen at that level of global and immediate exposure, thanks to the advent of social media and new digital platforms.

It was a 20-year-old Miley Cyrus discovering herself in a world where she always had to live up to what Disney represented, without errors.

After some years amidst public "scandals" for experimenting with her image, Cyrus changed her style to a more country one in her album "Younger Now" (2017). She then returned to pop rock with her EP "She Is Coming" (2019) and "Plastic Hearts" (2020). Her most recent album, "Endless Summer Vacation" (2023), earned her a Grammy for the first time.

The Acceptance (and Celebration) of Her Stages

After her Hannah Montana era, from which she seemed to want to distance herself since its end in 2011, the artist has given various interviews where she introspects on her personal growth process, mental health, transition to adulthood, and search for identity.

During the interview "Hart to Heart" with Kevin Hart, the American singer mentions: "I created alter-egos for myself (...) I grew up at the same time as her (referring to her character in the series); there was no division between the two. She was who I was."

Today, Miley embraces that younger version of herself at D23 by saying: "I am still proud to have been Hannah Montana (...) She created Miley in many ways."

Why is this speech so moving?

Those words can be seen as the "vindication" of Hannah Montana by the actress. It’s a moment that gives those who grew up idolizing her, who saw themselves in her, or who learned from her journey, a sense of closure or completion.

In the words of María Quiles in her article "Miley Cyrus's Emotional Speech After Being Named Disney Legend (and Her Gratitude to Hannah Montana)" for Vogue (2024): "Miley (in real life) has taught us to chase our dreams and do whatever we really want to do. That means leaving behind the fear of what others think."

Miley does not cling to the past by recognizing Hannah; she embraces her to continue with her career. She acknowledges and celebrates all her versions to move forward; highlighting in that same speech: "It's legendary to be afraid and still do it. There's no failure when you try."