Miley Cyrus is revisiting her roots. The singer was photographed in Malibu this week sporting a blonde wig and wardrobe reminiscent of her iconic Disney Channel character, Hannah Montana. The appearance suggests a potential project connected to the show’s upcoming 20th anniversary.
Paparazzi photos captured Cyrus on a sunny day, looking relaxed against a black convertible. She was fully immersed in the Hannah Montana aesthetic: a shaggy black fur vest, black skinny jeans, a gold chain belt, a glittery gold scarf, and large black sunglasses. The look immediately sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans who grew up with the series.
The timing of the sighting coincides with a confirmed anniversary special planned by Disney+. Last week, the studio announced that the special will feature a live studio interview between Cyrus and Alex Cooper, host of the popular Call Her Daddy podcast. This pairing signals Disney’s intention to bridge the gap between the show’s original audience and a new generation of listeners.
Cyrus herself has recently reflected on the impact of her time as Hannah Montana. In a December 2024/January 2025 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she acknowledged the unique childhood shaped by her role. Obviously, [being a child star] shaped me into a very different adult than some of my peers or my friends. It is just a really different childhood to have,
she said. She also discussed the challenges of separating her public persona from her true self, noting that while she can easily shed the “Hannah Montana” image, others often struggle to see beyond it.
This isn’t the first indication of Cyrus leaning into her past. The past year has seen a marked evolution in her fashion choices, with a focus on classic designs and a willingness to revisit archival looks. proved to be a significant year for Cyrus, marked by the release of her ninth studio album, Something Beautiful, and new partnerships with Maison Margiela and Maybelline. Vogue recently highlighted this period as a turning point in her style, noting her embrace of sleek, avant-garde designs.
At the Vogue World: Hollywood show, Cyrus was seen alongside Hailey Bieber, both sporting leather looks. Cyrus opted for a Saint Laurent trench coat with a white button-up, while Bieber chose a Mugler leather dress. The coordinated, yet individual, style choices underscored Cyrus’s current fashion sensibility – a blend of classic elegance and edgy modernity.
Beyond fashion, Cyrus has been actively promoting Something Beautiful, incorporating vintage Mugler pieces into her appearances. She also made a statement at the Met Gala in a black Alaïa creation, demonstrating her willingness to experiment with high fashion. These recent appearances suggest a deliberate effort to curate a sophisticated and confident image, while still acknowledging her pop star roots.
The upcoming Hannah Montana anniversary special represents more than just a nostalgic trip for fans. It’s a significant moment for Disney+, which is increasingly focused on leveraging its vast library of intellectual property. The special provides an opportunity to re-engage a loyal audience and introduce the show to a new generation. The choice of Alex Cooper as an interviewer is particularly astute, given her ability to connect with a younger demographic through candid and relatable conversations.
Cyrus’s willingness to revisit her Hannah Montana persona also speaks to a broader trend in entertainment: the embrace of legacy sequels and reboots. Many artists who found fame as child stars are now returning to the projects that launched their careers, often with a more mature and nuanced perspective. This allows them to reconnect with their original fans while also exploring new creative avenues.
The details surrounding the anniversary special remain limited, but the confirmed interview with Alex Cooper and the recent sightings of Cyrus in her Hannah Montana attire suggest a substantial and well-planned event. Disney has yet to announce a specific air date, but anticipation is building as the date approaches. The project is poised to be a major cultural moment, sparking conversations about nostalgia, identity, and the enduring power of Disney’s beloved franchise.
As Cyrus navigates her evolving career, she continues to demonstrate a remarkable ability to balance her past and present. Her recent fashion choices, musical explorations, and willingness to revisit her iconic role as Hannah Montana all point to an artist who is both self-aware and creatively ambitious. The anniversary special promises to be a compelling chapter in her ongoing story, offering fans a glimpse into the woman behind the wig and a celebration of a show that captured the hearts of a generation.
