“ I ’m gon na permit everybody in on a small Disney Legend enigma . I ’m the one that tell you what you ’re not supposed to know . "
Miley Cyrusis officially a legend.
If you remember,Disneyannounced in March that Miley would be named a Disney Legend. On Sunday, her heartfelt acceptance speech shows that she’s more than deserving of Disney’s “highest honor.”
To kick it off, Academy Award-winning country singer Lainey Wilson introduced Miley byperforminga rendition of Hannah Montana’s “The Best of Both Worlds” and said, “Miley, I want to thank you for never being afraid to step outside the box, always staying true to yourself, and most importantly, always kicking butt.”
Miley’s status exploded after she starred in Disney Channel’sHannah Montanawhen she was 13. The series led to a world tour, a concert film, and a feature film about an ordinary girl who lives a double life as a pop star.
From there, Miley built a successful music career beyondHannah Montanawith TV/movie roles, hit records, and awards. And now, the 31-year-old superstar was honored as the youngest Disney Legend at the D23 Expo.
Disney Legends is a hall of fame awarded to people who have enormously impacted the Disney legacy across any or all of its properties — parks, movies, and television.
Folks who received this honor in the past includeStan Lee,Betty White,OprahWinfrey, and Christina Aguilera, so it’s fair to say that Miley is in legendary company.
“I’m gonna let everybody in on a little Disney Legend secret. I’m the one that tells you what you’re not supposed to know,” Miley began her speech. “And what I want to say, is that legends get scared, too. I’m scared right now, but the difference is we do it anyway, and all of you can do that every single day.”
“It’s legendary to be afraid and do it anyway. There is no such thing as failure when you try.”
Miley Cyrus wipe away crying during her Disney Legends acceptance speech at#D23.pic.twitter.com / iMU2UCcsgu
“In 2005, Disney was on a mission to rebuild the company. That’s why they hired Bob Iger, and me,” Miley said jokingly, referencing the massive success of theHannah Montanafranchise.
“I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana,” Miley said. “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,'” she continued, referencing theHannah Montanasong.
Miley Cyrus : " I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana … This award is dedicate to Hannah and all of her awing , truehearted fans . “https://t.co / LwufAbcq81pic.twitter.com/8p7MNcivXe
Miley washonoredalongside Angela Bassett, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Harrison Ford, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, composer John Williams, James L. Brooks, costume designer Colleen Atwood, Disney Parks cast member Martha Blanding, Marvel comic artist Steve Ditko, animator Mark Henn, and Imagineer Joe Rohde.
From being that random little girl in one of my favorite movies,Big Fish(2003),to giving us one of the best edgy former child star eras in music history (I’m talking aboutBangerz,BTW), to finally being recognized for your talent on the Grammys stage — Miley is definitely a legend.
You better go off, Miley!
