Today is March 23, 2026, and if you listen closely, you can hear the sound of millions of millennials digging their sequined headbands out of storage. We are officially 24 hours away from the premiere of the ‘Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special’ on Disney+ and Hulu. To mark the occasion, Miley Cyrus has appeared on a special commemorative cover of Variety, delivering an interview that is equal parts heartbreaking and triumphant. From faking the project into existence to a shocking “rival” reunion, here is everything Miley just revealed.
Manifesting the Special with Dolly Parton’s Advice
In the Variety cover story, Miley confessed that the entire anniversary special began as a massive bluff. Following what she calls a “terrible habit” learned from her godmother, Dolly Parton, Miley began promoting a reunion special in interviews last year before Disney had even considered it. “Dolly told me: if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists,” Miley laughed, explaining that the overwhelming fan response eventually forced Disney executives to realize the project was a guaranteed hit.
A “No Irony” Tribute to the Fans
Miley was adamant that this special not be a “tongue-in-cheek” parody or a cynical viral moment. Speaking to Variety, she emphasized that the production—filmed in front of a live studio audience—is a sincere “love letter” to the 2006 era. “We did not want irony. This is not a joke,” she stated, noting that she wanted her fans to “feel seen” because her entire career is built on the foundation of their 20 years of loyalty.
Fans should prepare their vocal cords, as it is said that Miley has re-recorded “The Best of Both Worlds,” “This Is the Life,” and “The Climb” for the special.
The Surprise Selena Gomez Cameo
One of the biggest bombshells from the interview was the confirmation of a Selena Gomez appearance. While the media famously fueled a rivalry between “Hannah” and Selena’s character “Mikayla” in 2007, Miley revealed that their real-life bond has remained a quiet constant. The cameo was reportedly arranged as a surprise by the special’s host, Alex Cooper (Call Her Daddy). “I love Selena, but I didn’t know how much our friendship meant to the fans until we were back on that set together,” Miley shared.
Recreating the “Simulation” of the Stewart House
Disney spared no expense for the anniversary, meticulously reconstructing the original Stewart family living room and the legendary “Hannah Montana closet” for the broadcast. Miley’s mother, Tish Cyrus-Purcell, even contributed to the set by pulling original outfits, fan letters, and scrapbooks from her personal archives. Miley noted that walking back into the kitchen felt like entering a “simulation,” a sentiment echoed by her father and co-star Billy Ray Cyrus, who also appears in the special.