Hilary Duff is having quite the moment, and her latest PAPER Magazine cover story is giving us all the early-2000s nostalgia, with a refreshing dose of grown-up confidence!
More than two decades after becoming everyone’s favourite Disney Channel star, Hilary is back in the spotlight with a successful new album, a massive world tour and a renewed appreciation for the character that made her famous.
What Dreams Are Made Of, Finally!
One of the most emotional moments of Hilary’s comeback has been performing What Dreams Are Made Of, the beloved song from The Lizzie McGuire Movie, live for the first time.
The performance debuted during her London concert in January 2026, more than 20 years after she recorded the song as a teenager.
But here’s something fans might not know. Hilary once deliberately distanced herself from the track because she wanted to establish an identity beyond Lizzie McGuire.
Reflecting on that period, she admitted, “It wasn’t my song to sing. But now I feel like it is.”
And isn’t that a beautiful full-circle moment?
A Comeback That’s More Than Nostalgia
Hilary’s sixth studio album, Luck… or Something, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, marking her highest chart position since 2007.
Her Lucky Me Tour has already taken her through 50 performances, with audiences enthusiastically embracing both her classic hits and newer, more personal music.
The crowds are bringing back the Y2K fashion too, from butterfly hair clips to baggy jeans, making the concerts feel like a joyful reunion for an entire generation.
Hilary also spoke warmly about her LGBTQ+ fans, who have remained an important part of her audience throughout her career.
Hilary Duff, On Her Own Terms
What makes this comeback particularly interesting is how comfortable Hilary seems with herself.
The actress and mother of four has learned to embrace everything from her old fashion choices to the viral With Lovedance that once embarrassed her.
She’s no longer trying to escape her Disney past. Instead, she’s celebrating it while making room for the woman and artist she has become.
And with more music and potential acting projects on her mind, Hilary clearly isn’t finished surprising us.
Lizzie McGuire may have introduced us to Hilary Duff, but this new chapter belongs entirely to Hilary herself.
