Logan Pereira, a new cast member on the Netflix series Love on the Spectrum, recently shared his admiration for Miley Cyrus and her iconic character, Hannah Montana, in an interview with PEOPLE. The fourth season of the show introduces Pereira alongside two other individuals as they navigate the complexities of dating, with Pereira revealing his special connection to the beloved Disney Channel series from his childhood.
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Pereira, 26, expressed the powerful lessons he learned from Hannah Montana, stating, “She taught me that life is what you make it, so let’s make it right.” This quote from a popular song embodies the influence Cyrus, now 33, had on his outlook. If given the opportunity, he would take a moment to express his gratitude to the pop star, saying, “I was such a big fan of your show in the late 2000s, and I really learned a lot from you.” In his imagined conversation with Cyrus, he added, “I just want to know, how’s the music for you? And how are you doing today? And what encouraged you to do music?”
As he embarks on his journey into the dating scene, Pereira shared his unique approach to forming romantic connections. He described engaging in practice dates and donning costumes for the occasion, noting, “I tried my best to impress that girl,” referring specifically to his date with a fellow participant named Hailey. Although he admits he still has more to learn in his search for love, he acknowledges the significant personal growth that participating in the series has afforded him.
Reflecting on his past, Pereira recalled feelings of jealousy as a teenager, watching others express affection in front of their peers. “When I was in high school, I saw a lot of people — forgive me for saying this — making out, hugging in front of the school, and I was a little jealous. But now I get to do it, and it’s just exciting,” he recounted. This newfound confidence and joy in dating mark a significant milestone in his development.
Pereira is not alone in his admiration for Hannah Montana. Abbey Romeo, another participant on Love on the Spectrum, had the chance to meet Cyrus in person during the premiere of the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special. An Instagram video captured the emotional interaction between the two, where Romeo articulated her personal connection to the character and its significance in her own life.
“I felt like two people, like you in the show, that’s what it means to me,” Romeo shared with Cyrus, explaining how she relates to the character as someone on the autism spectrum. “My real self is average. My other self is on the spectrum,” she added poignantly. This reflection mirrored the show’s premise, where individuals with autism share their unique experiences and perspectives on love and relationships.
Cyrus responded positively, engaging with Rome’s thoughts and asking, “So what’s your big difference? Do you feel more confident as one?” She shared her own experience, stating that she feels more confident when embodying her pop star persona. The exchange wasn’t just touching but also fostered a genuine connection between the two, highlighting the positive impact of the show and its characters.
For Romeo, the moment was unforgettable. After meeting Cyrus, she turning to the camera and exclaimed, “I just met Miley. Heart’s racing,” clearly overwhelmed with joy. The excitement surrounding these interactions demonstrates the profound influence that both Cyrus and the Hannah Montana series have had on a generation, particularly among those who see reflections of their struggles and triumphs in the show.
Love on the Spectrum continues to stream on Netflix, showcasing the personal stories of its participants as they navigate love and relationships within the autism spectrum, with a dash of heartfelt nostalgia from the Hannah Montana legacy.