Miley Cyrus Embraces Hannah Montana Roots as 20th Anniversary Approaches

Miley Cyrus appears to be coming full circle in her career, subtly transforming back into her iconic alter ego, Hannah Montana, as the show’s 20th anniversary approaches in March 2026. Recently, the 33-year-old star made a stunning appearance at the 37th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards, sporting a sophisticated black suit paired with a plunging polka-dot blouse. What caught fans’ attention, however, was her glamorous hairstyle—long, loose blonde waves with curtain bangs that immediately evoked memories of Hannah Montana’s signature honey-colored wig with blunt fringe. This nostalgic style choice seems far from coincidental, as Cyrus herself hinted at during the event, playfully referencing her bangs when asked about anniversary plans.

When pressed for details about the upcoming Hannah Montana milestone celebration, Cyrus remained delightfully secretive while confirming that plans are indeed underway. “We’re working hard on ’em,” she told Variety, adding that she “absolutely” has anniversary plans in development, though she couldn’t share specifics. In a separate interview with Good Morning America at the Avatar: Fire and Ice premiere last month, Cyrus expressed her commitment to honoring her Disney Channel legacy properly: “I am definitely in the works. A lot of my time right now is being spent figuring out how I can honor Hannah. It’s such a special celebration for us all, so I’m excited to celebrate her also.” This dedication to celebrating the character that launched her career demonstrates how Cyrus has embraced her past while continuing to evolve as an artist.

The Hannah Montana series, which premiered on Disney Channel in 2006, followed the double life of Miley Stewart, an ordinary teenager who secretly moonlighted as pop sensation Hannah Montana. The show became a cultural phenomenon, running for four successful seasons and culminating in a feature film. Beyond just a television series, Hannah Montana launched albums, merchandise, and arena tours, making Cyrus a household name before she had even turned 18. The franchise featured not just Miley but also her father Billy Ray Cyrus, alongside castmates Emily Osment, Jason Earles, Mitchel Musso, and Moises Arias. What began as a Disney Channel show transformed into a multi-platform empire that resonated with an entire generation of young viewers who grew up alongside Miley/Hannah.

Cyrus’s relationship with her Hannah Montana past has evolved significantly over the years. After the show ended, she famously distanced herself from her Disney image, making bold career moves with controversial performances and mature musical directions that shocked many longtime fans. However, time seems to have softened her perspective. At the 2024 D23 Expo, where she was honored as a “Disney Legend,” Cyrus reflected on her journey: “I had gotten a taste of what my life could be, and from that moment on, I did not want anything else. A little bit of everything has changed… but at the same time, nothing has changed at all. I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana.” During her acceptance speech, she touchingly dedicated her award “to Hannah and all of her amazing loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality,” even quoting her character’s catchphrase: “To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.'”

What makes Cyrus’s embrace of her Hannah Montana roots particularly poignant is her earlier struggle to establish an identity separate from the character. In a revealing 2020 Rolling Stone interview, she admitted, “I felt like I was never going to amount to the success of Hannah Montana.” She further explained her complex relationship with the role, saying, “Hannah Montana was not a character. That wasn’t what the show is about. It was about a normal girl with a f***ing wig on. Everything was always in me. The concept of the show, it’s me. I’ve had to really come to terms with that and not be third-person about it.” This realization—that Hannah was never truly separate from Miley herself—represents a profound understanding of how intertwined her personal and professional identities have always been, despite her attempts to differentiate them during her post-Disney rebellion phase.

Now, with the wisdom that comes from navigating the entertainment industry for over two decades, Cyrus seems to have found peace with all facets of her career. “I’m so settled in what I’m doing and who I am,” she told Rolling Stone. “All I’ve ever wanted is respect as an artist and to have pride in what I make. I think that comes with the dedication and diligence that I really put in the effort. I put in the work.” This newfound confidence allows her to celebrate Hannah Montana without feeling overshadowed by the character’s success. As she prepares for the show’s 20th anniversary, fans can expect something special that honors both Hannah Montana’s legacy and Cyrus’s growth as an artist. While the details remain under wraps, her subtle nod to Hannah through her hairstyle suggests a thoughtful and perhaps playful approach to commemorating the character that changed not only her life but the lives of millions of fans worldwide. As both Miley and Hannah would say, it truly is “the best of both worlds.”