The 7 Unforgettable Moments That Prove Miley Cyrus's 'The Climb' Is Still Dominating Pop Culture In 2025

The enduring power of Miley Cyrus’s 2009 anthem, "The Climb," has never been more evident than in the current music landscape. As of December 17, 2025, the song is experiencing a fresh wave of relevance, thanks to high-profile live performances and its continued use as a soundtrack for major cultural moments, cementing its status not just as a nostalgic hit, but as a timeless piece of pop history. The track's message of perseverance continues to resonate with a new generation, proving that the climb is, indeed, all about the journey.

Originally released as the lead single for the Hannah Montana: The Movie soundtrack, "The Climb" marked a crucial turning point for Cyrus, bridging her Disney Channel persona with her burgeoning career as a serious solo artist. Its recent resurgence, highlighted by a surprise live rendition at a prestigious event, shows that Miley Cyrus is fully embracing the legacy of her inspirational ballad.

Miley Cyrus: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Miley Ray Cyrus is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her distinctive voice and constant artistic evolution. Her career trajectory is one of the most dynamic in modern entertainment.

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• Birth Name: Destiny Hope Cyrus
• Born: November 23, 1992
• Birthplace: Franklin, Tennessee (raised in Nashville, Tennessee)
• Parents: Billy Ray Cyrus (country star) and Tish Cyrus
• Godmother: Dolly Parton
• Nickname Origin: She was nicknamed "Smiley," which was later shortened to Miley, due to her cheerful disposition as a child.
• Key Career Milestones:
  • 2006–2011: Starred as the title character in the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana.
  • 2009: Released "The Climb," her first song to enter the Adult Contemporary chart.
  • 2013: Released the controversial and critically acclaimed album Bangerz, featuring the hit "Wrecking Ball."
  • 2024: Inducted as a Disney Legend at the D23 event, recognizing her "extraordinary contribution" to The Walt Disney Company.
  • 2025: Won her first Grammy Award for her hit single "Flowers" (information sourced from a search result that mentions her as a "2025 Grammy Winner").

The Enduring Legacy of 'The Climb' in 2025

While Miley Cyrus has evolved through multiple musical eras—from pop-rock to hip-hop-influenced pop and country-rock—"The Climb" remains a constant, foundational pillar of her discography. It is a song that transcends genres and generations, often being pulled back into the spotlight for significant cultural events.

1. The Surprise Performance at Maxim's de Paris

One of the most significant recent events proving the song's current relevance occurred in June 2025. Miley Cyrus took the stage at the legendary Maxim's de Paris for an exclusive performance as part of the Spotify Billions Club Live series. During the set, she surprised fans with a magnificent mash-up of her early hit, "The Climb," with her more recent track, "We Can't Stop." This fusion demonstrated her ability to seamlessly connect her past and present artistry, satisfying both long-time fans of Hannah Montana: The Movie and her current pop audience.

2. The Disney Legend Induction of 2024

In August 2024, Miley Cyrus was honored with the prestigious Disney Legend award. This induction directly tied back to her foundational work with the company, particularly the era that produced "The Climb." The award served as a powerful reminder of the song's role in launching her global stardom, acknowledging its cultural impact alongside other Disney icons. This recognition ensured that the 2009 ballad was back in the news cycle, prompting a fresh look at its lyrics and message.

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3. The 2025 Holiday Campaign Reimagining

Further solidifying the song's cultural footprint in 2025, the Gap clothing company unveiled its holiday campaign, “Give Your Gift,” which featured a reimagining of "The Climb." Using the song in a major global commercial campaign highlights its universal, inspirational appeal, proving that the track's message is still considered potent and marketable by major brands over a decade after its release.

The Anatomy of a Timeless Hit: Songwriting and Production

The success of "The Climb" is not accidental; it is a masterclass in songwriting and production that allowed it to transcend the typical Disney soundtrack fare. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the talent behind the scenes.

4. The Unexpected Songwriters

The song was penned by country music songwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe. Their background in country and folk music gave "The Climb" its raw, acoustic, and deeply narrative structure, setting it apart from the highly processed pop music of the era. The lyrics, which focus on the journey rather than the destination—"There’s always gonna be another mountain / I’m always gonna wanna make it move"—struck a chord with millions facing their own life challenges.

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5. The A-List Production Team

The track was produced by veteran rock and pop producer John Shanks, known for his work with artists like Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette. Shanks’s production gave the song a polished, stadium-ready sound that was expansive enough for a movie soundtrack but intimate enough for a personal ballad. The recording process also involved Jeff Rothschild, who handled the mixing and recording, contributing to its clean, radio-friendly sound.

6. Chart Dominance and Crossover Success

"The Climb" was an instant commercial success, showcasing Miley Cyrus’s potential beyond the Hannah Montana brand. It peaked at number four on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and was a top-ten single in several countries, including Canada, Australia, and Norway. Crucially, it was her first song to enter the Adult Contemporary chart, a major milestone that demonstrated her ability to appeal to an older, more mature audience, confirming her transition from a teen star to a mainstream artist.

7. The 'Endless Summer Vacation' Connection

Miley Cyrus continues to acknowledge the song's importance in her career. During the Disney+ music event, Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions), which promoted her 2023 album, she performed some of her biggest hits. While "The Climb" wasn't a main feature, her willingness to revisit and re-contextualize her older work, including a 2020 live performance dedicated to the graduating class of that year, demonstrates her respect for the track's enduring, inspirational message. The song is a powerful reminder that every success, including her recent 2025 Grammy win, is built on the foundation of that original, courageous climb.