Miley Cyrus Honored with Innovator Award at 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards

The pop star reflected on her 'Hannah Montana' roots and her evolution as an artist in her acceptance speech.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:49am

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Miley Cyrus was awarded the Innovator Award at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 26. Country singer Lainey Wilson presented the award, praising Cyrus for 'pushing boundaries in sound and style and storytelling' and 'never asking for permission.' In her acceptance speech, Cyrus spoke about how her 'Hannah Montana' role inspired her career and how 'innovation' for her has been about 'keeping the journey of finding myself a lot of fun.' The 33-year-old pop star also celebrated the 20th anniversary of 'Hannah Montana' and concluded her speech by referencing one of the show's hit songs, saying 'This really is the life.'

Why it matters

Miley Cyrus' Innovator Award recognition highlights her undeniable impact on music and pop culture over the past two decades, from her breakout role in the hit Disney Channel series 'Hannah Montana' to her evolution into one of the most influential and boundary-pushing artists in the industry today. The award also shines a light on Cyrus' humanitarian work, including her advocacy for homeless and at-risk youth through the Miley Cyrus Foundation and Happy Hippie.

The details

Cyrus was presented the Innovator Award by country singer Lainey Wilson, who once had a job as a Hannah Montana impersonator. In her speech, Cyrus reflected on how her 'Hannah Montana' character 'inspired me so much in my own career' and how 'the fake you can actually reveal the real you.' She also spoke about her approach to innovation, saying it's 'been about keeping the journey of finding myself a lot of fun.' Cyrus concluded her speech with a nod to a 'Hannah Montana' song, saying 'This really is the life.'

  • The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards aired live on FOX from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26.
  • The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special premiered on Disney+ and Hulu on Tuesday, March 24.

The players

Miley Cyrus

A 33-year-old pop star who rose to fame as the lead actress in the Disney Channel series 'Hannah Montana' and has since evolved into one of the most influential and boundary-pushing artists in the music industry.

Lainey Wilson

A 33-year-old country singer who once had a job as a Hannah Montana impersonator and presented the Innovator Award to Miley Cyrus at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

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What they’re saying

“Miley Cyrus is what happens when fearlessness meets evolution. She didn't just grow up in front of the world. She redefined herself in front of it over and over — and then over again — from breaking out of a box that people tried to put her in.”

— Lainey Wilson, Country singer

“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.”

— Miley Cyrus

“This really is the life.”

— Miley Cyrus

What’s next

The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special that premiered on Disney+ and Hulu on March 24 will likely continue to generate interest and discussion around Miley Cyrus' iconic role and its lasting impact.

The takeaway

Miley Cyrus' Innovator Award at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards underscores her remarkable evolution as an artist and her enduring influence on pop culture, from her breakout 'Hannah Montana' days to her boundary-pushing work today. Her speech highlighted the joy she finds in the creative process and her commitment to authenticity, serving as an inspiration for artists to stay true to themselves.