Miley Cyrus to don the Hannah Montana wig again for 20th anniversary special

Two decades after the premiere of the series that turned her into a global phenomenon, the artist returns for a commemorative Hannah Montana special set to debut on 24 March, promising a generous dose of nostalgia (and perhaps a few unexpected revelations), as first reported by Variety.

Filmed in front of a live studio audience, the production will feature Cyrus in conversation with podcast host Alex Cooper. Alongside the interview, the special will include recreated set pieces, archival footage and musical callbacks to the show’s original era.

Far from being a simple retrospective, the project is framed as a love letter to the fans who have followed the artist since 2006. In remarks shared by Variety, Cyrus said the character “will always be part” of her identity, acknowledging the impact it had on both her life and those who grew up with the series.

The phenomenon that changed everything

Created by Michael Poryes, Rich Correll and Barry O’Brien, Hannah Montana debuted in March 2006 and ran for four seasons. Its premise — a teenager balancing school life with a secret identity as a pop star — quickly struck a chord with audiences.

Blending coming-of-age storylines with a strong musical focus, the series defined an era for Disney Channel. Beyond its television ratings, it expanded into a full franchise: tours, soundtracks, merchandise and two films broadened its reach. During its run, it also received four Emmy nominations for Outstanding Children’s Programme.

More than a blonde wig

Its influence extended well beyond the screen. Hannah Montana helped establish a hybrid model between television and pop music that Disney would later replicate. For Cyrus, it marked the starting point of a career that would continually evolve — and reinvent itself — ultimately cementing her status as one of contemporary pop’s most recognisable figures.

Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television, described the anniversary as a “full-circle” moment, highlighting the show’s cultural resonance and its message of embracing every side of oneself.

Twenty years on, the question is no longer whether Miley can put the wig back on. It’s whether it ever truly stopped being part of her. And, it seems, we’ll find out on 24 March with the much-anticipated return.

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