Sneaky way Miley Cyrus managed to slip explicit message into Hannah Montana special without Disney noticing

Jess Battison
2026-03-26T19:36:58.432Z
Entertainment

The Disney Legend also made several revelations during her special Hannahversary event

Earlier this week marked a major occasion for plenty of us who grew up in the noughties: the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana.

Or, as Miley Cyrus understandably wants us to put it, the 'Hannahversary'.

The special aired on Disney+ on Tuesday (24 March), featuring special guests (including her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus) and a number of confessions and revelations. We even got Miley admitting that she once ‘secretly’ dated Dylan Sprouse during their Disney kid days.

Having grown up in the spotlight, the 33-year-old had her fair share of turbulent years but she embraces her Disney start as a certified Disney Legend.

But that doesn’t mean she was still able to sprinkle her own humour and style into the special as she had a sneaky, explicit message hidden in there.

﻿﻿

Only some viewers will actually have clocked it, particularly those who are fans of Drag Race and/or RuPaul – like Miley herself.

I mean, it’s so niche and discreet that fans reckon Disney didn’t even clock it. And if they did, they decided to serve it up to those of us in the know so it could have its viral moment.

So, Miley was sitting down with Alex Cooper for interview segments of the special when she was asked: “What do you think, from that initial audition, made you stand out to Disney?”

Taking a moment to think, the ‘Flowers’ singer responded (with a smirk on her face): “Well, the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.”

Miley Cyrus has long been a fan of drag culture (John Shearer/Getty Images)

In case you’re still confused about just what sneaky message this is, let me quite literally spell it out to you: clock the first letters of those adjectives.

Yeah, got it? Iconic.

Quickly noted by fans, it’s another example of Miley taking inspiration from RuPaul’s Drag Race. This iconic acronym was popularised on the TV series and is the name of one of the drag star’s many, many tracks.

Oh, she knew what she was doing with that. Iconic. (Disney+)

Miley has always had her own way of doing things, she even admitted that this whole special only ever came about because she began stirring the pot.

She started teasing plans for the anniversary last year, hinting there was something ‘special’ to come.

“I learned this terrible habit — but I actually think it was good advice — from Dolly [Parton],” she told Variety.

“She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no. So I just started promoting a ‘Hannah Montana’ 20th-anniversary special that literally did not exist.”

Yeah, again, iconic.

What has the cast of Hannah Montana said about the anniversary?

Emily Osment

Lilly Truscott had the alter ego of 'Lola Luftnagle' (Disney/Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)

Fans were left devastated when the actress behind Miley’s onscreen BFF Lilly Truscott was nowhere to be seen during the special.

However, Emily Osment was quick to reveal why. In an Instagram video, she said: “We are at the Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage set, and that’s why I was not able to be a part of the 20-year reunion, because we are here shooting our show.”

In the caption of the post, Osment added: “Hannah Montana changed my life, it gave me a lifelong respect for this medium of comedy, it taught me discipline, patience, timing and respect working in an adult space so young. I’ve met thousands of HM fans over the years, fans that now have children watching this show and fans that literally work beside me every day.”

The star went on to say: “I can’t tell you what your sweet messages mean to me and how lucky I feel to have been apart of this once in a generation goliath of a television show.

“Thank you for letting me into your living rooms and I hope to still be there many years from now. Would never be where I am without you guys, working on another beautiful show I love so dearly. With all my heart, THANK YOU!”

Jason Earles

Jason Earles has his own Hannah Montana podcast (Disney/Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)

The Jackson Stewart star attended the premiere of Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, but didn’t actually appear in the doc.

During an interview with Good Morning America, Earles said: “It’s incredible. It’s something that so many people identified with their childhoods and is still important to them 15 years later. It’s a very humbling, exciting thing to be a part of.”

The actor hosts an ‘unofficial Hannah Montana podcast’, called Best of Both Our Worlds, where he recently revealed that he lied about his age to land the role of Miley’s older brother.

“When I auditioned for the show, I lied to them and told them I was 18 years old,” Earles said.

“I remember one of the higher-up network executives showed up on show night and he was like, ‘Hey, so, you’re 28.’ And I was like, ‘I am’.”

Billy Ray Cyrus

He played Miley Cyrus' dad in the series (Disney/Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Billy Ray Cyrus, who starred as Robby Ray Stewart in the Disney hit, has shared several social media posts to promote the special.

“Robby Ray’s still the proudest dad in the world,” he wrote in one, while another said: “Some things never change… 20 years later and @mileycyrus still knows the old handshake trick.”

Anna Maria Perez de Tagle

Her character was known for the iconic 'ooo tss' catchphrase (Disney/Julian Hamilton/FilmMagic)

Anna Maria Perez de Tagle played mean girl Ashley Dewitt in the series.

Sharing a post on social media, she wrote: “What a special night celebrating the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary yesterday!

“This cast is unbelievably talented and this show will always be iconic. I’m so grateful to have been a part of something that meant so much to your childhood. I hope the magic keeps living on for generations to come!

“Big love to Miley Cyrus for leading the way and making the show so unforgettable. And of course, I have to end it with a little OoOo TsSsSS. Thank you Disney+ for a fun time as always!”

Shanica Knowles

Amber was besties with Ashley (Disney/Julian Hamilton/FilmMagic)

Shanica Knowles starred as Amber Addison in Hannah Montana, the other half of the mean girl duo.

She shared an Instagram post celebrating the show’s anniversary, writing: “Happy 20 year anniversary #HannahMontana !!!

“Thank you to my co-stars and my fans for making such an incredible impact on my childhood and young adulthood. So many memories…so many stories…so many secrets that I will take with me to the grave.

“There’s way to many people to tag but just know that each and every one of you will hold a special place in my heart. And @mileycyrus you better WORK girrrrrrl! I told you then…and I’m telling you now…you are a STAR…and I am so damn proud of you and the way you make people feel through your beautiful spirit. You did it…you changed the world girl…and it was a privilege to be one of the people beside you to watch it happen.

“This journey may seem like the end… but for me… this is just the beginning.”

Cody Linley

Cody Linley made an appearance on the red carpet (Disney/Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

Cody Linley, who played heartthrob Jake Ryan in Hannah Montana, took to Instagram to share a video with fans.

“I'm really excited to celebrate with the cast and crew this coming Monday and honoured for all the fans worldwide who supported me and the show,” he said.

In the caption of his post, Linley penned: “It’s wild to think it’s been 20 years since Hannah Montana first aired… So grateful to be celebrating with the cast & crew this Monday, and even more grateful for all of YOU who’ve supported me over the years all around the world!

“Jake Ryan will always have a special place in my heart.”

The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special is available to watch on Disney+.