Lainey Wilson Reacts To Miley Cyrus' Emotional Disney Legend Induction

Lainey Wilson said she felt “incredibly honored” to pay tribute to Miley Cyrus when she made history as the youngest-ever Disney Legend over the weekend at D23 in Anaheim, California.

Wilson took the stage to perform “Best of Both Worlds” before she introduced Cyrus to the stage. The iconic Hannah Montana anthem — a nod to Cyrus’ breakout role in the early 2000s, playing a typical teen who lives a double life as a famous pop star — marked a full-circle moment for Wilson. She previously worked as a Hannah Montana impersonator before she built her career as a country singer-songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee. It was an experience that “taught me a lot” about connecting with audiences, Wilson told interviewer Robin Roberts in the Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country special that’s streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

“Incredibly honored to have been a part of such a special night. No one deserved it more than you, sister. Thank you for being you 🤍,” Wilson wrote in a comment on Instagram on Monday evening (August 12). Cyrus shared a video of her heartfelt acceptance speech , and wrote in her own caption: “Thank you. Such an honor to be inducted as a Disney Legend. This award is dedicated to Hannah Montana and all of her fans. You’ve shown me legendary love & loyalty. Forever grateful.”

Wilson — who’s getting ready to release her new album, Whirlwind , next mont — said she “got the best of both worlds” when she posted photos and videos from the D23 event on Instagram on Monday. Her post included a video of her “Best of Both Worlds” performance on the third slide. Find Wilson’s performance here: