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Miley Cyrus Says She Was Once the ‘Least-Paid Person’ on ‘Hannah Montana’

How is this possible?! Miley Cyrus famously launched her career as an actress and singer when she starred as the titular character on Hannah Montana a decade ago. Now, Cyrus claims she was underpaid for her beloved Disney Channel role.

Related: PHOTOS: Miley Cyrus' Raciest Outfits

“I did not grow up spoiled in any way. I just wanted to be on TV,” the 23-year-old star told Elle magazine in her October 2016 cover story. “I mean, at one point — they’ll probably kill me for saying it — I was probably the least-paid person on my cast because I didn’t know any better. I was just like, ‘I can be on Disney! Yeah, I want to do it!'” (Watch Cyrus in a classic clip from the show above!)

Miley Cyrus on 'Hannah Montana'
Miley Cyrus on ‘Hannah Montana’

Cyrus continued, “My name was Miley on my show, but I didn’t own my name — we didn’t think about that. Like, ‘Yeah, you can use my name on your show, sure!’ My mom [Tish Cyrus] started understanding how many people take advantage of a child, so she hired smart people to protect me in that way. I’m happy that when I was younger, people protected me and put me in a position where I can now control my music.”

Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus in ‘Elle’

Related: PHOTOS: Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth's Love Story: Where Are They Now?

As fans know, the “Wrecking Ball” singer starred as Miley Stewart, an everyday teen who secretly led a double life as a pop superstar named Hannah Montana, for four seasons from 2006 to 2011. The hit Disney Channel comedy also starred Cyrus’ real-life dad, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, who she says “so wasn’t” into show business.

Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus on the cover of ‘Elle’

“He was very smart,” Miley explained to Elle. “We have a huge farm in Nashville that he bought for nothing, and now it’s, like, a music capital.”

Related: PHOTOS: Disney Stars Through the Years

The Voice coach also opened up about her “SMS (Bangerz)” collaborator Britney Spears, with whom she shares a manager, Larry Rudolph.

“[My manager] works with her; we’ve stayed close because of that,” Miley said. “She’s a little distant in her world. I just want Britney to be happy. Every time she puts out new music, I’m like, ‘Is that what she wants to be doing? Or does she just want to chill?’ She’s looking so good right now, and looking happy. … I’m not sure if Britney knows how to text. I think I’ve actually texted her twice.”

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