Miley Cyrus is clearly living the best of both worlds and slowly transforming back into Hannah Montana.
Cyrus, 33, stepped out at the 37th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards on Saturday, January 3, wowing in a sleek black suit with plunging polka-dot blouse underneath.
For glam, Cyrus wore her blonde tresses in long, loose waves with a curtain bang. The hair quickly reminded fans of Cyrus’ titular Hannah Montana character’s honey-colored wig with a blunt fringe.
Hannah Montana, in which Cyrus starred as a pop star and her average teen alter ego, premiered on Disney Channel in 2006. The show will celebrate its milestone 20th anniversary in March 2026.
“We’re working hard on ‘em,” Cyrus told Variety on Saturday, teasing that she “absolutely” has anniversary plans in development. “I can’t tell you [details, but] you see the bangs.”
Cyrus revealed last month that she wanted to do Hannah Montana’s anniversary justice for the hoards of loyal fans.
“I am definitely in the works. A lot of my time right now is being spent [figuring out] how I can honor Hannah,” she told Good Morning America at the Avatar: Fire and Ice premiere. “It’s such a special celebration for us all, so I’m excited to celebrate her also.”
While Cyrus kept any Hannah Montana anniversary plans close to her chest, she has long been proud of her Mouse House roots.
“I had gotten a taste of what my life could be, and from that moment on, I did not want anything else,” the Grammy winner said at the D23 Expo in 2024, reflecting on the series’ legacy. “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.”
Miley Cyrus and Meshach Taylor in ‘Hannah Montana’ season 2. Joel Warren / Disney / Channel / Courtesy of Everett Collection
Cyrus was even named a “Disney Legend” during the annual fan convention.
“In so many ways, this award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality,” Cyrus gushed at the time. “To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.’”
Hannah Montana ran for four seasons on Disney Channel, culminating in an eponymous feature film. In addition to Miley, the franchise starred Miley’s dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, as well as Emily Osment, Jason Earles, Mitchel Musso and Moises Arias.
“I felt like I was never going to amount to the success of Hannah Montana,” Cyrus recalled of her own achievements to Rolling Stone in a 2020 profile. “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.”
Underneath the umbrella of Hannah Montana, Miley released several albums and headlined multiple tours before stepping out and performing under her own name.
“I’m so settled in what I’m doing and who I am,” she told the outlet. “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.”
