Sporting her iconic blonde hair and bangs reminiscent of her “Hannah Montana” era, Miley Cyrus revisited the beginnings of her career by celebrating the 20th anniversary of the beloved TV show. The reunion took place in Los Angeles, where Cyrus met with her former castmates from the Disney Channel sitcom for the premiere of the “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special.”
Reflecting on the milestone, Cyrus mentioned that it allowed her to view the show and her character with fresh eyes, now that she is older and can appreciate the experience from a different perspective. She portrayed Miley Stewart, a teenager leading a double life as the famous pop star Hannah Montana, starting her journey on the show at the age of 13.
The anniversary special, now available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, marks two decades since the show’s debut. Filmed in front of a live audience, the special features archival footage and an interview with Cyrus, now an established pop star at 33, conducted by podcast host Alex Cooper. The program includes musical performances, beginning with the series’ theme song “The Best of Both Worlds,” and concluding with a new track dedicated to Cyrus’s younger self. The special also showcases appearances by friends and family members, such as her father Billy Ray Cyrus, and fellow actress Selena Gomez, who played a rival character on the show.
During the premiere event, Cyrus expressed gratitude to her fellow cast members and fans, emphasizing that the show’s significance endures in the present moment. Other cast members, like Jason Earles, who portrayed Miley’s brother Jackson, and Cody Linley, who played her love interest Jake Ryan, shared their reflections on the lasting impact of the series and their roles in it.
Additionally, country singer Lainey Wilson, who attended the premiere, reminisced about her early career as a Hannah Montana impersonator, highlighting the influence the show had on her own journey in the entertainment industry. The event was a nostalgic gathering that celebrated the enduring legacy of “Hannah Montana” and its continued relevance in popular culture.