Miley Cyrus honoured with Innovator Award at 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards

Miley Cyrus was the guest of honour at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday, 26 March 2026, where she was presented with the prestigious Innovator Award.

The thirty-three-year-old singer arrived at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles wearing a striking "all-leather" ensemble, featuring a peacoat-style jacket and matching cropped trousers.

The award, which recognises artists who have profoundly impacted music and global culture, was presented to Cyrus during a week already dedicated to celebrating the twentieth anniversary of her breakout Disney Channel series, Hannah Montana.

During her acceptance speech, Cyrus delivered a nostalgic tribute to her alter ego, stating that she "fell in love with the idea that you can create a persona that gives you the confidence and the courage to perform authentically."

She noted that the "fake" persona of Hannah Montana often helped reveal her true self. Closing her remarks with a cheeky nod to the show's theme song, she told the star-studded audience, "This really is the life."

The evening also featured a heartfelt tribute from country star Lainey Wilson, a former Hannah Montana impersonator, who praised Cyrus for her "fearlessness and evolution" in the industry.

This major accolade follows the premiere of the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special on Disney+ earlier this week, where Cyrus reunited with original cast members.

While the singer is currently focused on her "Innovator" era, she recently reflected on her early career, telling reporters that her younger self would be "honoured" to share this milestone.

Cyrus joins an elite group of past recipients, including Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, further solidifying her legacy as one of the most influential voices of her generation.