3 minute readrundown
Miley Cyrus won the Innovator Award at last night’s iHeartRadio Music Awards. In her acceptance speech, she reflected on her accomplishments and discussed the influence Hannah Montana had on her career and sense of identity. Cyrus recently reflected on her time playing Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel show’s 20th anniversary special and talked about the life she’s built for herself since then.
Miley Cyrus reached a special career milestone last night by winning the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Past winners include Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga.
This honor recognizes Cyrus’ continued contributions to music and culture. In her acceptance speech, she reflected on her accomplishments and said, “Innovation for me was not about moving away from who I was, but about continuing to enjoy the journey of finding myself.”
“When I receive an award not for recognition, but for making art that touches the hearts of people I may never meet again, it brings me a kind of joy that is deeply meaningful,” she added. She mentioned Hannah Montana at the end of her speech, saying, “This is really the life!” and referring to her song “This Is the Life.”
Read her full speech below.
It was a dream come true to celebrate Hannah Montana’s 20th anniversary this week. Thank you for my double denim and gold scarf, they’ve been waiting over 10 years to leave that house. Hannah Montana has had a huge impact on my own career. I fell in love with the idea of being able to create a persona that would give me the confidence and courage to perform authentically. And that sometimes our false selves can actually reveal our true selves. Innovation for me was not about separating myself from my previous self, but about continuing the journey of finding a fun version of myself. I’ve always written songs and told stories because I love it. Of course it’s rewarding to win an award for that work, but that’s not my compass. If so, I would probably be very lost.
When I receive an award not for recognition, but for creating art that touches the hearts of people I may never meet again, it brings me a kind of joy that has deep meaning. As a young person, I am very honored to be able to share this moment with you. And I’m proud to stand here today and tell you how much you all mean to me. This is just life!
Cyrus’ appearance comes just days after the release of “Hannah Montana: 20th Anniversary Special,” a look back at the Disney Channel show that launched her career.
In a recent Variety cover story, Cyrus got candid about how she carved out the life she wanted despite rising to fame at an early age and continuing to be a celebrity today.
“I got everything I wanted in abundance,” she said. “My relationship[with fiancé Max Morand]is private and my business is successful. I’m able to do the little things that people take for granted, like getting up in my own bed and feeding my dog.”
“But I get to be Hannah again, and people who just watched ‘This Is the Life’ live are sobbing,” she added. “I love that I’ve been able to curate my life that way.”
She also touched on the difference that sobriety has made for her, saying, “It’s no surprise that I had a history with drugs and alcohol (given my childhood fame). I think I was so used to the high life that I never learned how to climb out of it. Now, through the lens of sobriety, I have more compassion and understanding for myself.”
Related articles
