20 years ago, on March 24, Disney’s “Hannah Montana” aired for the first time ever. What began as a simple comedy widely shaped Gen Z and television standards.
“Hannah Montana”, starring Miley Cyrus, quickly became a popular hit show for children and teenagers when it first aired. The character Hannah Montana started Cyrus’s career and grew her passion for music. Cyrus would go on tour as Hannah, there were Hannah Montana inspired dolls, merch, and much more. However, fans and people worldwide knew her as the two characters: Hannah, and her true identity, Miley.
Back to the Stewart House
Starting the Hannahversary special, Cyrus performed, “The Best of Both Worlds,” the show’s theme song. She sang the song in a lower octave, really showing how much not only her voice matured, but her character as a whole. The entire crowd dressed in Y2K and Hannah inspired outfits to celebrate this special time.
Dressed in a full denim outfit and sequined scarf, Cyrus then makes her way to the Stewart house set. She reminisces on the memories and how everything looks the exact same. The fridge was filled with ketchup bottles labeled as “moisturizer,” a throwback to the pilot episode, and jars of corn labeled, “sweet niblets,” her catchphrase in the show.
Cyrus brings out Alex Cooper, the host of the podcast, “Call Her Daddy” and one of Hannah’s biggest fans.
“It’s really for the fans that grew up with me,” Cyrus shared with Cooper. “Our kind of moment of just looking at each other of how much growth, how much evolution, and how much they’ve really supported and followed me from going from Hannah to Miley.”
This celebration of two decades of “Hannah Montana” not only reflects the show itself, but also shows the loyalty that Cyrus and those she grew up with share. Cyrus’s Hannahversary came into place because she made it happen. Before anything was even confirmed or in the works, she started talking about a Hannahversary, and it eventually began to come together.
How Miley Became Hannah
Coming from Nashville, Tennessee at 12-years-old with no previous acting skills, Cyrus’s authentic personality is what made her stand out from the others who auditioned.
Cyrus met with her mom, Tish Cyrus-Purcell, where they start off by reminiscing on one of Miley’s childhood navy blue Dallas Cowboys jacket.
Gary Marsh, the former President and Chief Creative Officer of Disney channels worldwide, then join the mother and daughter to retell the story of how he decided on Cyrus to take on the big role of Hannah. Marsh emphasizes how his ambition said they could turn a fictional pop-star into a real life superstar, which he very much predicted to be true.
Marsh and his team did not take casting lightly, as they were casting for 11 months. When it came down to Cyrus and the other actress who auditioned, Marsh knew he wanted to take a chance on Cyrus. Before transitioning back to the interview with Cooper, Marsh shares how Miley made Hannah Montana possible. He also reads the email he sent to his team when deciding Miley would take the lead.
“We pride ourselves not just on creating great television, but on creating stars,” Marsh read. “I am ready to pull the trigger on Miley. Is she a risk? Unquestionably. Is she a potential star? Absolutely. And whatever comes of this decision, I’m thrilled that all of us will be able to sit down over a drink in a few years and remember this moment when we decided to forsake the safe route for the riskier one and the greater reward.”
Special Guests & the Purple Carpet Premiere
What’s an anniversary special without a premiere? Cyrus popped out on the purple-inspired Hannah carpet in a silver dress with the Hannah Montana character imprinted on her top. She also brought back the iconic Hannah blonde hair and bangs for the special and premiere, which was all natural except for a couple of clip-ins.
Alongside the purple carpet, Cyrus walked with Jason Earles, who played Miley’s brother, Jackson, Moisés Arias, who played Rico, Cody Linley, who played one of Miley’s love interests, Jake, and other cast members who grew up alongside one another. Emily Osment, Miley’s on-screen best friend, did not make an appearance at the premiere or anniversary special, but she did post a tribute on her Instagram.
For the anniversary special itself, Cyrus was briefly joined by Disney legend Selena Gomez and singer-songwriter Chappell Roan. In separate segments, they met to talk about this special celebration. Cyrus even received and read a note from her close family friend, her Aunt Dolly Parton. Cyrus emphasized how much both Parton and her mom were and continue to be huge influences and inspirations in her life. This was particularly important as she struggled to differentiate between the Hannah and Miley identities.
Cyrus also met with her father, singer-songwriter and actor Billy Ray Cyrus, who is not just her biological dad, but her father in “Hannah Montana.” They shared memories on the set, read a previous script scene, and talked about how they’ve both grown. This was especially true for Miley, and all she’s accomplished since finishing filming “Hannah Montana.”
A Trip Back to the Hannah Montana Closet
Hannah Montana held every girl’s dream closet. It was a spacious second closet hidden behind her first, holding all of Hannah’s outfits, shoes, and accessories. She had shelves that pulled out and a rotating closet so you never miss an outfit.
As her and her mom went through the clothes, they paired items to the memories they held. Cyrus held a pair of white jeans with purple writing that Hannah would frequently wear, paired with a pink, zebra top. Cyrus reminisces on how she herself wasn’t the biggest fan of that outfit and how it’s outdated.
Leaving Hannah Behind
Besides singing “The Best of Both Worlds,” Miley also performed two other iconic songs of Hannah’s: “The Climb” and “This Is The Life.” There was a very nostalgic feeling hearing her sing these songs 20 years later. Not only has Miley grown, but the fans who grew up watching her. Plus, younger faces in the audience show that Hannah Montana still lives on.
Ending the special, Cyrus performed an original song, “Younger You,” in which she was singing and giving advice to her younger self. The performance was raw and emotional, as it concluded the end of an era.
Now, at 33-years-old, Cyrus is ready to let go of Hannah and live her life as Miley. She mentions in the episode how she’s ready to settle down and start the next phase of her life. Although her old chapter is closing, anew is opening.
Cyrus’s new start is just beginning, and in the end, she’ll always have the best of both worlds.
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