Miley cyrus revisits 2000s glam at iheartradio awards

Miley Cyrus channeled a more mature, sophisticated aesthetic at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, a stark contrast to her nostalgic celebration of her 20-year-old Hannah Montana persona. The pop star, accepting the Innovator Award, opted for a sleek Hermès coat and tailored trousers, a departure from the sparkly ensembles she sported during the Hannah Montana anniversary special premiere.

Cyrus reflects on hannah montana's enduring influence

The 33-year-old acknowledged the profound impact of her alter ego on her career, stating that Hannah Montana instilled in her the confidence to perform authentically. Her acceptance speech included a playful nod to her iconic double denim and gold scarf, symbols of her early pop star days.

This marked a significant shift from her appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of the Hannah Montana special, where she embraced a 2000s-inspired look featuring a custom graphic tee referencing an old promo image. The ensemble, paired with a Rabanne silver chain gown, was a deliberate blend of self-referential nostalgia and high fashion.

Cyrus has long been known for her fearless approach to style, frequently collaborating with designers like Margiela, Alaïa, and Alexander McQueen to cultivate a rock-star edge. Her penchant for leather-on-leather and bold beauty choices, from peroxide blonde hair to bleached eyebrows, has consistently defied expectations.

The award itself, previously bestowed upon Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift, underscores Cyrus’s continued evolution as an artist. Swift made a surprise appearance, celebrating her nine nominations throughout the evening.

The evening served as a powerful reminder of Cyrus’s ability to reinvent herself while retaining a core sense of identity. She’s proven time and again that you can change your looks, but the essence remains.