The phrase "life’s what you make it" has served as a mantra for an entire generation, but for Miley Cyrus, it became a literal blueprint for her latest career milestone. Two decades after she first donned the iconic blonde wig that transformed a Tennessee girl into a global phenomenon, Cyrus is officially returning to her roots—albeit with a high-fashion upgrade. The upcoming Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, set to debut on March 24, is not merely a corporate product of the Disney machine; rather, it is a testament to the power of manifestation and the enduring influence of a country music legend.
Long before the cameras began rolling on this celebratory hour-long event, Cyrus was already planting the seeds for its existence. During a revealing conversation with Variety, the 33-year-old superstar admitted that she utilized a bold strategy to ensure the anniversary wouldn’t pass unnoticed. The inspiration for this "fake it ’til you make it" approach came from none other than her godmother, Dolly Parton. Cyrus recalled that Parton once offered her a piece of advice that felt like a "terrible habit" but proved to be marketing genius: if you want something to happen, promote it as if it already exists. By the time anyone thinks to say "no," the momentum is already too great to stop.
Taking this wisdom to heart, Cyrus began teasing a 20th-anniversary special during interviews as early as mid-2023, most notably during a Sirius XM appearance. At the time, no such project was in development. However, the public outcry and fan excitement generated by her comments left Disney executives with little choice but to lean into the nostalgia. The result is a highly anticipated concert special that bridges the gap between the teenage Miley Stewart and the sophisticated, Grammy-winning artist the world knows today.
Filmed this past February in an intimate setting before 215 invited millennials, the special is designed to be a love letter to the fans who grew up alongside her. While the setlist is expected to include the quintessential anthems that defined the mid-2000s—including the high-energy "The Best of Both Worlds" and the aspirational "This Is the Life"—the aesthetic has evolved. Cyrus was adamant that she didn’t want to present a "modernized" or cynical version of Hannah. Instead, she sought to preserve the character’s essence while acknowledging her own growth. In a line that perfectly encapsulates her current era, she noted that while the spirit of Hannah remains intact, "now Hannah wears Gucci."
The special also features a deep-dive interview with Alex Cooper, the powerhouse behind the Call Her Daddy podcast, ensuring a conversation that is as candid as it is nostalgic. Adding to the Disney Channel royalty factor, the event includes a cameo from Selena Gomez, a nod to the era when the two stars dominated the airwaves and defined the "imperial phase" of the network’s history.
To understand the weight of this anniversary, one must look back at the staggering statistics of the original run. From 2006 to 2011, Hannah Montana was more than a sitcom; it was a commercial juggernaut. The first season’s soundtrack made history as the first television soundtrack to debut at the top of the Billboard 200. By 2008, the Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert documentary had become the highest-grossing concert film of its time. Cyrus herself likened the experience to "the Beatles," a comparison that feels less like hyperbole and more like a factual assessment of the mania that followed her every move as a teenager.
In the years following the show’s conclusion, Cyrus famously rebelled against her Disney image, seeking to establish an identity far removed from the "Secret Idol" persona. However, the Miley Cyrus of 2025 has reached a place of profound peace with her past. Having secured her first Grammy Award in 2024 for the record-breaking single "Flowers"—and adding two more to her collection since—she no longer feels the need to distance herself from the character that started it all. She views her career not as a series of discarded versions of herself, but as a "gorgeous patchwork blanket." For Cyrus, every era, from the foam-finger-waving Bangerz days to the rock-infused Plastic Hearts and the sun-drenched Endless Summer Vacation, is a vital piece of a larger mosaic.
This philosophy of integration extends to her personal life as well. After a decade of high-profile headlines, including her marriage and subsequent divorce from The Last Song co-star Liam Hemsworth and subsequent relationships with Cody Simpson and Kaitlynn Carter, Cyrus has found stability. She is currently engaged to musician Maxx Morando, a partnership that seems to mirror the grounded, artistic life she has cultivated in her thirties.
The anniversary special also serves as a "where are they now" for the cast that supported the Stewart family through four seasons of hijinks and heart-to-hearts. Emily Osment, who played the loyal Lilly Truscott, has successfully navigated the transition to adult stardom. After a long-running stint on Young & Hungry, she currently stars in the CBS comedy Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. Meanwhile, Jason Earles, who played the eldest Stewart sibling, Jackson, has remained within the Disney family as a mentor and actor, notably appearing in the High School Musical series and marrying Katie Drysen in 2017.
The journey hasn’t been without its hurdles for the young cast. Mitchel Musso, known as the quirky Oliver Oken, faced public struggles following a 2011 DUI arrest which led to his departure from the Disney XD series Pair of Kings. However, he has continued to work steadily in voice acting, lending his talents to hits like Phineas and Ferb. Moises Arias, who brought the mischievous Rico to life, has transformed into a respected indie film actor, with standout roles in The King of Staten Island and The Fallout.
The supporting players have also found their own paths. Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, who played the "mean girl" Ashley, took her talents to Broadway in the revival of Godspell and married Scott Kline in 2019. Shanica Knowles, who played her counterpart Amber, has built a solid career in daytime television and TV movies. Cody Linley, the show’s resident heartthrob Jake Ryan, famously competed on Dancing With the Stars and has embraced the cult-classic world of the Sharknado franchise.
Perhaps the most complex evolution belongs to the Cyrus patriarch, Billy Ray. After playing Miley’s onscreen father and manager, Robby Ray Stewart, the elder Cyrus experienced a massive career resurgence in 2019 with the "Old Town Road" remix alongside Lil Nas X. His personal life has seen significant shifts as well; following his 2022 divorce from Tish Cyrus and a short-lived marriage to Australian singer Firerose, he recently made headlines for his relationship with actress Elizabeth Hurley. The couple went public with their romance in April 2025, proving that the Cyrus family’s ability to capture the public’s imagination remains a multi-generational trait.
Even Miley’s younger sister, Noah Cyrus, who had a recurring role as a child on the show, has carved out a distinct space in the music industry. Moving away from the pop-rock sound of her sister, Noah has embraced an alt-country and folk-pop aesthetic, earning critical acclaim and becoming engaged to designer Pinkus in 2023.
As the 20th anniversary approaches, the overarching sentiment is one of loyalty and gratitude. Miley Cyrus is no longer running away from the girl with the secret; she is inviting her to the party. By embracing the nostalgia of Hannah Montana, she is not just looking back—she is showing her fans that it is possible to grow up without losing the magic of who you used to be. For the millions of fans who will tune in on March 24, it’s a reminder that while life is indeed what you make it, it’s even better when you make it a masterpiece of your own design.
