"Hannah" Goes to High School...

This week, “Hannah Montana” begins its second season and Disney Channel is celebrating with a week of new episodes.

Miley, Lilly and Oliver are now in high school and Miley is facing new challenges trying to keep her double life secret.

Friday’s episode features a guest appearance by Brooke Shields as Miley’s late mom in a dream sequence as Miley undergoes surgery. Have your tissues ready because this one will be a tearjerker…

“Hannah Montana” airs Monday, April 23rd-Friday, April 27th at 7 p.m. on Disney Channel…

My Friday Night Obsession: "Hannah Montana"

When I did my Best of 2006 in January, I forgot my Friday obsession, “Hannah Montana.”

Go ahead. Make fun of me (My fiancé always does.). But “Hannah” takes me back to the days of “Saved By the Bell,” “Hang Time” and “City Guys”—harmless fun that tweens and adults could both enjoy.

And it has a rockin’ theme song…

Yes, the show’s premise can be a little silly (especially with those moustaches Miley’s dad, Robbie, wears as a disguise), but Miley Cyrus is a true star.

Disney was immediately impressed with her when she auditioned, but they weren’t sure about making a then 13-year-old the star of its new show. In the end, though, Miley won them over. However, her dad, Billy Ray, had to beat out several other actors to play Robbie.

Thankfully, Disney made the right choices all around…

The show’s second season started filming in January and will premiere in April with Hannah and her friends in high school. Brooke Shields will guest star as Miley’s mother in a special flashback.
But there are still new episodes left from the 26 Disney ordered for this season. One of those will air tonight (Friday) at 8 on Disney Channel.

And those of you in the Huntington-Ashland-Ironton area can see a bit of “Hannah” up close and personal…

The Highlands Museum and Discovery Center in Ashland recently added a “Hannah Montana” exhibit case in its Country Music Heritage Hall. On display is the outfit that Miley wore during Disney Channel’s New Year’s special. There are also pictures and information about the show and her family. The case is right next to the one devoted to her dad.

The Highlands Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors, students and children. For more information, visit http://www.highlandsmuseum.com/...

Photo Credit: The photo with all of the smiling faces is from the exhibit's opening celebration with Stephen Salyers (standing in the back) and is courtesy of the Highlands Museum.

Some "Achy" Breaking News...

If you've been on the "Herald-Dispatch" home page, you've already heard the big news...

Billy Ray Cyrus is competing on "Dancing With the Stars." Cyrus told "People" that he can barely do the "Achy Breaky dance" let alone a whole routine, but I think it will be fun to watch.

Obviously there's some Disney synergy going on here since Billy Ray is on the smash Disney Channel show "Hannah Montana." But whatever the case, it's great exposure for him and I wish him the best.

And in case you're wondering, Billy Ray's partner will be Karina Smirnoff, who partnered with runner-up Mario Lopez last season. As you may recall, she didn't take much crap, so he'd better watch out...

Unfortunately, because "Stars" is moving to Monday to avoid "American Idol," I won't be able to watch much. After all, my Mondays are manic enough...

To see who Billy Ray will be competing against, go to http://www.herald-dispatch.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070221/NEWS01/70221014/-1/NEWS13.

My money's on Ian Ziering since he's partnered with two-time champ Cheryl Burke...

"Dancing With the Stars" returns March 19th at 8 p.m. on ABC...