Miley Cyrus gets emotional about her Hannah Montana fame at iHeartRadio Music Awards

By CARLY JOHNSON, US SENIOR REPORTER 02:34 27 Mar 2026, updated 06:14 27 Mar 2026

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Miley Cyrus was among the major honorees at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday night in Los Angeles.

And the Grammy-winning singer, 33, got emotional as she reflected on her Hannah Montana fame while accepting the Innovator Award.

Cyrus recently celebrated 20 years since the premiere of her hit Disney Channel sitcom, which made her a household name at the age of 13 back in 2006.

Since then, Cyrus, who celebrated the milestone with a Disney+ special, has transcended child stardom to become one of Hollywood's most celebrated talents.

The iHeartRadio Music Awards celebrate the year's most-streamed hits and artists across the iHeartRadio app and the network’s vast radio stations, with winners chosen based on chart performance and fan voting in select categories. 

Cyrus was presented the Innovator Award by country songstress Lainey Wilson, who cited Cyrus as one of her musical inspirations.

'This week, celebrating 20 years of Hannah Montana has been a dream come true. My double denim and gold scarf thanks you because they've been waiting over a decade to leave the house,' Cyrus began, referring to Hannah Montana's iconic wardrobe.

Cyrus played the dual role of Miley Stewart and Hannah Montana on the series, which followed the double life of a famous teen pop star.

It also starred her real-life father Billy Ray Cyrus as her onscreen dad for all four seasons, with the show coming to an end in 2011 after 98 episodes.

Hannah Montana helped launch Cyrus's successful solo career, which has earned her three Grammy Awards and countless chart-topping hits since her 2007 debut album Meet Miley Cyrus.

'Hannah Montana inspired me so much in my own career,' Cyrus continued. 'I fell in love with the idea that you can create a persona that gives you the confidence and the courage to perform authentically, and that sometimes the fake you can actually reveal the real you.'

Cyrus then went on to explain what 'innovation' means to her. 

'Innovation, for me, hasn't been about leaving who I've been behind, but about keeping the journey of finding myself a lot of fun. I've always written songs and told stories because I love it, and winning awards for that work is of course, rewarding.

'But it's not my compass because if it was, I'm sure I'd end up very lost when the win isn't recognition but making art that reaches the hearts of people I may never meet.

'It brings me a kind of joy that is deeply meaningful,' she told the cheering crowd.

'Younger me is so honored to share this moment with you, and I'm proud to stand here today and tell you how much you mean to me,' said Cyrus, before alluding to one of Hannah Montana's most memorable hits. 'This really is the life.'

For the ceremony, Cyrus was supported by her mother Tish Cyrus, 58.

She and the Cyrus family matriarch posed for photos while seated inside the Dolby Theatre, where the ceremony was held on Thursday. 

Before that, Cyrus stole the spotlight on the red carpet along with the likes of Taylor Swift and Nicole Scherzinger.

The Bangerz hitmaker strutted her stuff in a sexy black leather jacket and matching slacks.

She completed her edgy outfit with tall black heels. 

Cyrus wore her newly-dyed blonde and wispy bangs, which she cut to resemble her Hannah Montana wig.

As for makeup, she opted for a smokey eyeshadow look and a glossy nude lip. 

The 13th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards were hosted by Ludacris, who was honored with the iHeartRadio Landmark Award.

Taylor Swift was the most-nominated artist this year with a total of nine nods.

She ended up winning seven of her nominations, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for The Fate of Ophelia, from her hit 2025 record, The Life Of A Showgirl.

The show saw TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue perform together for the first time.

Other performers included Alex Warren, Lainey Wilson, Ludacris, RAYE, Kehlani and John Mellencamp, who received the 2026 iHeartRadio Icon Award.

The iHeartRadio Icon Award celebrates an artist's enduring legacy in the music industry. 

The show also featured special appearances by Taylor Swift, Alysa Liu, Ne-Yo, Nicole Scherzinger, Nikki Glaser, sombr, Weezer and more top stars.

'This is an annual awards show made exclusively for fans, celebrating the biggest songs and artists they've loved listening to on iHeartRadio stations and our iHeartRadio app all year long,' said John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises, and Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer of iHeartMedia ahead of Thursday's show.

'FOX viewers will also get an exclusive preview of some of the songs they'll be listening to in the Summer of '26.'