Miley Cyrus humorously labelled superfan and podcaster Alex Cooper as "kinda creepy" during the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special in Hollywood on Monday. The Grammy-winning singer, aged 33, joked about Cooper, 31, host of the Call Her Daddy podcast, moving next door to her residence.
Playful Jabs at the El Capitan Theatre
Speaking on stage at the El Capitan Theatre, Cyrus thanked Cooper for helping organise the nostalgic event, but teased her about becoming a neighbour after interviewing her in Cyrus's garden back in August 2020. "Alex being a superfan... it's kinda creepy... she is also my neighbour, which is also creepy. She got money and then moved next door to me," Cyrus quipped to the audience.
Behind the Scenes of the Special
Cyrus explained how she reached out to Cooper with the idea for the anniversary special, saying, "I called her with this wild idea, 'Do you think it could be a good idea to do a Hannah Montana anniversary special?' But because I was in the middle of it and was Hannah I didn't know what you would all want." She added, "There was no other host, I was like I'll just walk next door, yeah it was weird. And she was like, 'Oh my god you live here' and she had interviewed me at my house five years ago so she knew where I was."
Celebrating a Beloved Show
The hit Disney Channel teen sitcom, which aired from 2006 to 2011, followed Miley Stewart, played by Cyrus, living a secret double life as pop star Hannah Montana. The show also starred her real-life father Billy Ray Cyrus and launched her music career. The special, filmed before a live studio audience, is scheduled to premiere on March 24, streaming on both Disney+ and Hulu.
Event Highlights and Family Support
The event featured never-before-seen archival footage, performances of iconic songs, and appearances from Cyrus's parents, Tish Cyrus and Billy Ray. Cyrus made a rare red carpet appearance with her fiancé, Maxx Morando, 27, looking happier than ever. The couple, together for four years, beamed for photos, with Cyrus wearing a sparkling metallic dress over a Hannah Montana T-shirt.
Her mother Tish, 58, attended with husband Dominic Purcell, 56, while sister Brandi Cyrus, 38, also showed up. Original cast members like Jason Earles and Moises Arias were present, though Emily Osment, who played best friend Lilly Truscott, missed the event due to filming commitments for another show.
Legacy and Fan Impact
In a statement, Cyrus reflected on the show's enduring appeal: "Hannah Montana will always be a part of who I am. What started as a TV show became a shared experience that shaped my life and the lives of so many fans, and I’ll always be thankful for that connection." The special aims to celebrate the series that defined a generation, with sets like Hannah Montana's closet and the Stewart family living room brought back to life.
Disney promises exclusive footage and an intimate look at the character's creation, highlighting the lasting impact on global fans. Cyrus's playful remarks about Cooper added a lighthearted touch to an event filled with nostalgia and celebration of a cultural phenomenon.
