Cayla Masters
Britney Spears has returned to her Disney roots.
On Saturday evening, the pop sensation was honored with Radio Disney’s Icon Award during their RDMAs ceremony at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
“Having just celebrated 20 years of Radio Disney in 2016, we are excited to introduce the RDMA Icon Award as special recognition of an artist; whose music has been loved and adored by generations of Radio Disney fans,” shared Phil Guerini, the network’s general manager.
Spears perfectly fits the accolade’s criteria, which recognizes “a distinguished artist whose career transcends popular culture and whose music is loved by generations of Radio Disney fans. After all, the “Toxic” singer did begin her musical endeavors when casted as a mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club at age 11.
Hailee Steinfeld accompanied hosts Kelsea Ballerini and Sofia Carson to perform a medley of the 35-year-old’s biggest hits. All of the young women were decked out in ensembles inspired by Spears greatest looks over the years. Britney’s younger sister Jamie Lynn also joined the trio on stage before presenting her sibling with the inaugural Icon Award.
“What a pleasant surprise,” an almost-teary-eyed Spears shared while the crowd chanted “Britney! Britney! Britney!”
“I want to thank Radio Disney so much for giving me their first ever icon award,” she continued. “This is such an honor. Your support throughout my career has been so much to me – all of my fans, as always, you’re the freaking best.”
She also thanked the “two loves of her life,” sons Jaden and Preston, adding that they are “the reason her heart beats.” Prior to the celebration, Spears took to Instagram to share a sweet photo of the pair posing with Hero Award recipient Nick Jonas.
Disney Channel will air the RDMAs tonight at 7PM EST.
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