The numbers
Miley Cyrus referred to Alex Cooper as “creepy” during the premiere of the highly anticipated ‘Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special’ on March 24, 2026. The special, which celebrates 20 years since the original series first aired on Disney Channel in 2006, features never-before-seen archival footage and memorable sets from the beloved show.
Cooper, who is 31 years old and serves as the host and executive producer of the special, has a close relationship with Cyrus, who is now 33. The two are neighbors, which Cyrus humorously pointed out during the premiere. “Alex being a superfan, kinda creepy, she’s also my neighbor, which is also creepy,” Cyrus stated, acknowledging Cooper’s dedication to the franchise.
The ‘Hannah Montana’ series originally aired from 2006 to 2011 and centered on the life of Miley Stewart, a teenage girl living a double life as the famous pop singer Hannah Montana. The show garnered a massive following and remains a significant part of Disney Channel’s legacy.
Cyrus expressed her gratitude towards Cooper for hosting the premiere and for her efforts in arranging a cameo from Selena Gomez, a moment that fans were eager to see. “I love Selena, but I didn’t know how much our friendship meant to the fans,” Cyrus remarked, highlighting the impact of their relationships on the show’s legacy.
The special was filmed in front of a live studio audience, adding to the excitement of the event. It was made available on Disney+ between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. on the day of its release, with a subscription cost of $12.99 per month required to access the content. This strategic timing aimed to maximize viewership and engagement from dedicated fans.
Since the announcement of the special on February 17, 2026, anticipation has been building among fans of the series. Cyrus’s nostalgic reflections during the premiere resonated with many viewers, as she noted the significance of the show’s setting in Malibu and her own experiences with loss and rebuilding. “I didn’t think about the correlation between Hannah’s house in Malibu and my house in Malibu, and my house burning down and me rebuilding,” she shared, drawing parallels between her life and her character’s journey.
As the special unfolds, it not only revisits the iconic moments of ‘Hannah Montana’ but also serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the series on its audience. Observers are keen to see how the special will be received by fans and whether it will spark renewed interest in the franchise. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential future projects related to the show.