source: foxnews.com

 

Miley and Mickey

 

There aren’t too many people in the world with the power to close down Disneyland for their 16th birthday. In fact, teen sensation Miley Cyrus was the first to do so on Sunday as she performed for (and partied with) 5,000 fans to celebrate her coming of age.

"It’s our family going full circle. Being here with these fans is an appropriate way to celebrate," her proud father and "Hannah Montana" co-star Billy Ray Cyrus told Pop Tarts. "It’s the fans that our show is all about. It’s what our music is all about. Touching people’s lives worldwide and these are the people right here."

Notably absent from the party was 20-year-old underwear model Justin Gaston, to whom Miley has been romantically linked in recent weeks despite claims from her camp that they are "just friends."

"He is a great guy, a really talented guy," Billy Ray said of Gaston, adding that he is great company for his daughter.

It’s obviously been a tumultuous year for the star-studded family, given Cyrus’ string of scandalous snaps, but Billy assured us that they deal with the drama of fame "one day at a time, one step at a time."

"Most importantly [we] just love what we’re doing, we love making music and we love acting and being part of this Disney family, so it’s a dream come true for us," he said.

As for all those rumors that Miley is getting ready to leave her alter ego "Hannah Montana" behind…

"We’re rocking and rolling," Billy Ray said, with Miley confirming that she has no intentions to depart Disney "no matter what."

"I respect the people that are here grooving on — I’m so excited because the most amazing people in the world are here celebrating with me tonight," Miley gushed.

Also stepping out to wish Miley a Happy Sweet 16 were "Idol" runner-up David Archuleta, "High School Musical" stars KayCee Stroh and Ryne Sanborn, Cindy Crawford, Steve Carell, Jennie Garth and Vanessa Williams. Even Tyra Banks partied with the young pop princess, offering words of support.

"The interesting thing is this is a world that loves to bring you up and they love to tear you down, but Miley is a strong, strong girl and that’s part of being a celebrity," Banks said. "You take the bitter with the sweet but she always manages to keep it sweet and that’s what I love about her."