Lainey Wilson paid tribute to Miley Cyrus during the 2024 Disney Legends Ceremony, where Cyrus was inducted as the youngest member of Disney Legends. During the event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, Wilson delivered a heartfelt speech and honored Cyrus with a special performance of “Best of Both Worlds,” the iconic Hannah Montana Theme Song.
Highlight Reel Of Miley Cyrus’ Iconic Career
Prior to Wilson’s performance, a montage of clips were shown of special milestone moments from throughout Cyrus’ historic career, including footage of early interviews, fan-favorite scenes from Hannah Montana, bits and pieces of Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions) and more, as well as commentary from John Travolta, Bret Michaels, and Chappell Roan.
Lainey Wilson Shares Heartfelt Speech
Lainey Wilson then took to the stage, wearing a denim vest over a bedazzled white shirt, glitter tie, and jeans—an outfit that paid tribute to one of Miley Cyrus’ (Hannah Montana) iconic looks from the 2007 Best of Both Worlds Tour. The performance served as a full-circle moment for Wilson, who got her start in the music industry as a Hannah Montana impersonator.
“Miley, you might not know this, but I am truly one of your biggest fans. My very first job was taking a portable sound system, a wig and 15 tracks I learned from front to back, impersonating Hannah Montana,” Wilson said, addressing Cyrus, who was seated in the front row of the star-studded audience alongside her mom, Tish Cyrus-Purcell, and sister, Brandi Cyrus.
Wilson continued, “I’m talking about at birthday parties, fairs, festivals, you name it. It was me, Lainey Wilson opening up for me as Hannah Montana. You’re talking about the best of both worlds. You inspired me to believe in myself. That I, too, could be an ordinary girl living in an extraordinary world. So on behalf of Hannah Montana fans everywhere, I’d like to dedicate this song to you.”
Wilson Performs “The Best Of Both Worlds”
The reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of The Year then went on to perform “The Best Of Both Worlds” as Cyrus dance and sang along from the front row. Her performance had the entire crowd on their feet, singing and dancing along.
“You get the best of both worlds/ Chill it out, take it slow/ Then you rock out the show/ You get the best of both worlds/ Mix it all together/ And you know that it’s the best of both worlds/ The best of both worlds, yeah,” Wilson sang on the tune’s chorus. As the performance continued, Wilson changed up some of the song’s lyrics to reflect on Cyrus’ current successes.
Following her impressive “dream come true” performance of the legendary Hannah Montana Theme Song, Wilson presented Cyrus with the award and welcomed her to the stage to accept the high honor.
Cyrus Accepts Prestigious Disney Legends Honor
“Miley, I want to thank you for never being afraid to step outside of the box, always staying true to yourself and most of all for kicking butt no matter what girl,” Wilson said as she welcomed Cyrus to the stage to graciously thank the fans for the coveted Disney Legend honor.
Miley Cyrus, who was all smiles, made her way to the stage and embraced Wilson in a big hug before stepping up to the microphone center stage to a standing ovation.
“I am definitely going to cry… Before we get started, I’m going to let everybody in on a little Disney Legends’ secret — I’m the one that tells you what you’re not supposed to know,” Cyrus joked. “And what I want to say is that legends get scared too. I’m scared right now… It’s legendary to be afraid and do it anyway. There’s no such thing as failure when you try.”
Reflected On Her Historic Career
Cyrus then went on to reminisce on the early days of her career and reflected on her first-ever performance as Hannah Montana, which was a free concert at the mall, known as the Glendale Galleria. “The first song I opened with was titled ‘This Is the Life,’ which of course, no one knew because in reality, I was a little girl in a blonde wig at the mall with a big dream. But in my heart, I was Hannah Montana. And I was so proud to be her,” she continued.
“A little bit of everything has changed since that day, but at the same time, nothing has changed at all. I stand here, still proud to have been Hannah Montana. Because she made Miley in so many ways. 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,’” Cyrus concluded.
What Is The Disney Legends Award?
The Disney Legends Award is the “highest honor” Disney bestows, presented to recipients as a “celebration of talent, a recognition of achievement, and, above all, a sincere expression of our deep gratitude,” according to Disney CEO Bob Iger (per Billboard).
“Disney Legends are bound by the special place they have earned in our history for their tremendous contributions in service of entertaining and delighting fans around the globe,” Iger shared at the event.
14 New Members Welcomed During 2024 Disney Legends Ceremony
In addition to Miley Cyrus, the event also welcomed 13 other new members to the prestigious group of Disney Legends, including Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams.
Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, this year’s Disney Legends Ceremony was the largest in the 37-year history of the Disney Legends Awards, featuring a Hollywood-level production that elevated the magic of the event, according to a Disney press release.
For the first time ever, the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will be available to stream exclusively on Disney+, starting Monday, August 12 at 5/4c.
