Sri Lanka
USA
Canada
India
UK
UAE
LOS ANGELES — Bringing back her iconic “Hannah Montana” blonde hair and bangs, Miley Cyrus returned to her roots to celebrate 20 years of the hit TV series that launched her global career.
Cyrus reunited with cast members of Hannah Montana in Los Angeles on Monday evening for the premiere of the “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special.”
Speaking to The Associated Press, Cyrus said the milestone allowed her to reflect on the show from “a new perspective.” She originally starred as Miley Stewart—a teenager balancing everyday life with a secret identity as a pop star—when the series began during her early teens.
“Now I get to look at it from the outside, as an adult,” Cyrus said. “Back then, everything was chaotic with the schedule and performing. Now it feels like a celebration. It’s a completely new perspective, and I love that.”
The anniversary special, which began streaming Tuesday on Disney+ and Hulu, marks two decades since the show’s debut. Filmed in front of a live audience, it features archival footage and a sit-down interview with Cyrus, hosted by podcast personality Alex Cooper.
The special includes several musical performances, opening with the iconic theme song “The Best of Both Worlds” and closing with a new track dedicated to Cyrus’ younger self. It also features appearances from friends and family, including her father Billy Ray Cyrus, with whom she recreates their signature handshake from the show.
Other notable appearances include Selena Gomez, who once played a rival character, and rising artist Chappell Roan, who credits Cyrus as an influence on her career.
Addressing fans at the premiere, Cyrus expressed gratitude to both the cast and the audience. “Without all of you, this show would never have become what it is—and I love saying what it is, not what it was,” she said.
“Tonight isn’t about looking back at the past, but about what this show still means to us today.”
Co-star Jason Earles, who played Miley’s brother Jackson, said revisiting the series highlights how much time has passed. “You see things like old flip phones and realize—it really was a different era,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Cody Linley, who portrayed Jake Ryan, reflected on his experience as a teen heartthrob. “It’s surreal to think fans had posters of me in their lockers,” he said. “You have to remember that it’s an image they’re seeing—not the real you.”
Country star Lainey Wilson also attended the premiere, recalling her early days performing as a “Hannah Montana” impersonator. “From eighth grade through high school, I’d open shows as myself, then change into my Hannah Montana outfit and perform at parties and festivals,” she said.
