Miley Cyrus accepted the Innovator Award at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, delivering a speech reflecting on her Hannah Montana roots. She opted for a sleek leather ensemble, departing from her recent character-inspired looks. The event celebrated her career amid the 20th anniversary of the Disney series.
At the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards held on March 26, Miley Cyrus was presented with the Innovator Award, an honor previously given to artists including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift. Swift also appeared unexpectedly, receiving nine nominations during the evening. Cyrus, now 33, chose a sophisticated outfit featuring a Hermès leather coat with foldover lapels and a buttoned neck, paired with matching cigarette pants, pointed black pumps, and an anklet. She accessorized with Marli rings, bracelets, and earrings, alongside her bespoke engagement ring—a cushion-cut stone on a thick 14k yellow gold band designed by Jacquie Aiche. Her hay-toned, chest-length blonde hair complemented a grungy gray smoky eye makeup look, evoking a more mature style reminiscent of her 2026 persona rather than her Hannah Montana character, Miley Ray Stewart. In her acceptance speech, Cyrus said, “This week, celebrating 20 years of Hannah Montana has been a dream come true. My double denim and gold scarf thanks you because they've been waiting over a decade to leave the house.” She added, “Hannah Montana inspired me so much in my own career. I fell in love with the idea that you can create a persona that gives you the confidence and the courage to perform authentically, and that sometimes the fake you can actually reveal the real you.” This appearance marked a shift from her recent Hannah Montana-themed fashion, including a custom graphic tee under a plunging silver chain gown by Rabanne at the show's Los Angeles premiere, where she appeared with fiancé Maxx Morando. Cyrus has long favored experimental styles from designers like Maison Margiela, Alaïa, and Alexander McQueen, often incorporating leather and bold beauty choices such as cropped peroxide blonde hair or bleached eyebrows.
