Miley Cyrus: Hannah Montana Anniversary & Pop Star Return

LOS ANGELES – Miley Cyrus revisited her role as Hannah Montana at the premiere of the “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special” on Tuesday, appearing at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood sporting a silver dress paired with a graphic t-shirt featuring her alter ego, according to reports.

The event marked two decades since the debut of the Disney Channel series that propelled Cyrus to international stardom. The anniversary special, now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, includes an interview with Cyrus reflecting on the show’s impact, new performances, and a new song, alongside appearances from Selena Gomez and Billy Ray Cyrus, her father.

Cyrus told “Good Morning America” that returning to the character felt different now that she has established her own identity as a musician. “I’ve worked so hard to secure to the place where Miley is recognizable in the same way that Hannah once was,” she said. “And so I felt like there would be this happy hybrid by I was, I’d give myself some bangs and blonde and put in my little clip in, but I still got to feel like Miley.”

“Hannah Montana” premiered in 2006 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, centering on Miley Stewart, a teenager leading a double life as a pop star. The show ran for four seasons, generating hit songs, sold-out concert tours, and a feature film. Cyrus acknowledged the initial shock of sudden fame, recalling that her life changed immediately after a promotional clip for the show aired during the premiere of “High School Musical.”

The 20th Anniversary Special features Cyrus discussing the legacy of the show and her experiences navigating the transition from child star to established artist.