Cyrus Honors Her Roots

Miley Cyrus marked a full-circle moment in her career on March 26, accepting the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards with a speech that bridged her present-day artistry and her Hannah Montana origins.

The 33-year-old singer took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where she reflected on the enduring impact of the Disney Channel series that launched her into global fame. As the franchise approaches its 20th anniversary, Cyrus framed the milestone as both nostalgic and formative, underscoring how the dual-identity concept shaped her creative instincts and public persona.

“My double denim and gold scarf thank you, because they’ve been waiting over a decade to leave the house,” she joked, nodding to the show’s signature aesthetic.

Beyond the humor, Cyrus credited the character with influencing her approach to performance and identity, noting that the idea of stepping into a persona ultimately helped her access a more authentic version of herself. That philosophy has carried through a career defined by reinvention — from her early Disney years to boundary-pushing albums and cultural resets that have kept her at the center of pop conversation.

The Innovator Award, introduced in 2014, recognizes artists whose work has shaped both music and global culture. Cyrus now joins a roster that includes Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys and U2 — figures similarly known for evolving their sound and image across eras.

Her latest honor adds to an iHeartRadio track record that already includes wins for “Wrecking Ball” (Best Lyrics, 2014) and “Flowers” (Pop Song of the Year, 2024), reinforcing her longevity across multiple phases of the industry.

The recognition comes amid renewed attention on Hannah Montana, following a Disney+ anniversary special released earlier this week, where Cyrus also made a standout appearance on the red carpet.

Cyrus has also pointed to her godmother Dolly Parton as an influence on the special’s rollout, reflecting a strategy rooted in visibility and momentum.

The celebrations culminated in a screening event where Cyrus looked back on her early career and the show’s ensemble, underscoring how Hannah Montana evolved into a defining pop-cultural touchstone.