Miley Cyrus references 'This Is the Life' in 2026 iHeartRadio Innovator Award speech

Miley Cyrus is being appreciated.

The 33-year-old pop idol was presented with the Innovator Award at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday (March 26).

Lainey Wilson — who once portrayed a Hannah Montana look-alike — handed out the award following her performance at the event.

"It's a privilege to perform this evening, but now I'd like to highlight one of my major influences, Miley, Miley Cyrus," shared the country musician with the attendees.

"Miley Cyrus epitomises what happens when fearlessness blends with transformation. She didn't just grow up before us all; she reinvented herself constantly, breaking out of conventional expectations again and again."

Wilson, also 33, lauded Cyrus for "setting new trends in music, fashion, and storytelling."

"She has never requested permission, and that's precisely why she's the innovator she is," remarked the "Somewhere Over Laredo" artist about the "Walk of Fame" singer.

"She dares to take risks many artists shy away from, turning those risks into cultural milestones."

Wilson wrapped up her tribute by emphasising that Cyrus "shows us that true art is about pushing boundaries, not comfort zones."

As Cyrus stepped up to receive her award, she humorously mentioned someone should inform Ludacris, who was emceeing the show, that the start of her speech wouldn't "count toward my allotted 45 seconds."

"Marking 20 years of Hannah Montana this week feels like a dream," she noted. "I'm so grateful my denim outfit and gold scarf can finally make an appearance after waiting over a decade."

The three-time Grammy honoree released her ninth studio record, Something Beautiful, in May 2025.

The pop collection captured No. 4 on the Billboard 200 rankings. Something Beautiful, led by the single “End of the World,” earned Cyrus a Best Pop Vocal Album nod at the 2026 Grammy Awards.