Lainey Wilson's 'Hannah Montana' Dreams Come 'Full Circle' with Miley Cyrus Collab

The country star once made a living as a Hannah Montana impersonator before landing a duet with the real Miley Cyrus.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:45pm

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An abstract close-up photograph featuring a dramatic, high-contrast composition of luxurious, glittering textures like sequins and shattered disco ball fragments, capturing the glamorous essence of the music industry.The sparkling collaboration between country star Lainey Wilson and pop icon Miley Cyrus shines a light on the music industry's supportive spirit.Los Angeles Today

Country music star Lainey Wilson, who previously impersonated Hannah Montana throughout her teenage years, has now collaborated with Miley Cyrus on a new version of Cyrus' song 'Younger You.' Wilson shared on Instagram that this duet represents a 'full circle' moment, reflecting on her past as a Hannah Montana impersonator and her current success as an award-winning country artist.

Why it matters

This collaboration highlights the power of dreams and perseverance in the entertainment industry. Wilson's journey from Hannah Montana impersonator to Grammy-winning country star shows how early experiences can shape an artist's path, even in unexpected ways. The duet also demonstrates the supportive nature of the music community, with Cyrus championing a fellow artist who once impersonated her iconic Disney character.

The details

Lainey Wilson, the 2026 CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year, revealed that she used to make a living impersonating Miley Cyrus' Hannah Montana character from the time she was in 8th grade through 12th grade, performing at parties, fairs, and festivals. Wilson shared on Instagram that she never could have imagined that one day she would collaborate with the real Miley Cyrus on a new version of her song 'Younger You.' The two artists have become close in recent years, with Cyrus inviting Wilson to be a special guest on the track.

  • Lainey Wilson impersonated Hannah Montana from 8th grade through 12th grade.
  • Lainey Wilson and Miley Cyrus collaborated on a new version of 'Younger You' in 2026.

The players

Lainey Wilson

A country music star who previously made a living impersonating the Hannah Montana character, and is now a Grammy-winning artist collaborating with Miley Cyrus.

Miley Cyrus

The original Hannah Montana and a successful pop/country crossover artist, who invited Lainey Wilson to be a special guest on her song 'Younger You.'

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What they’re saying

“If I go back and tell myself one thing it'd be…'Hey younger you, you're gonna impersonate Hannah Montana all throughout high school, playing every birthday party, fair and festival between here and Louisiana and then one day…. you're gonna have a song with the real Hannah Montana.'”

— Lainey Wilson, Country Music Star

“It taught me that this wasn't gonna be easy, but it was gonna be fun.”

— Lainey Wilson, Country Music Star

What’s next

Lainey Wilson and Miley Cyrus are expected to perform the duet version of 'Younger You' together at an upcoming awards show or music festival.

The takeaway

Lainey Wilson's journey from Hannah Montana impersonator to Grammy-winning country star shows how early experiences can shape an artist's path in unexpected ways. This collaboration with Miley Cyrus represents the power of dreams, perseverance, and the supportive nature of the music community.