Hilary Duff on “What Dreams Are Made Of”
The sound of a young Hilary Duff repeating “Hey now, hey now” brings nostalgia for many millennials, yet Duff herself only recently connected with one of her most iconic songs.
Initial Distance from the Song
During a podcast appearance, Duff shared that she did not immediately recognize the charm of “What Dreams Are Made Of.” When asked if she knew the song was “amazing” during recording, she answered,
“Absolutely not. I don't even remember recording that song.”
Released in 2003 as part of the Lizzie McGuire Movie soundtrack, Duff felt a disconnect from the song since it was considered a Lizzie McGuire project rather than her own.
Restrictions and Separation
Due to Disney’s copyright on the song, Duff was not allowed to perform it at her live concerts. She explained,
“There was such a separation back then of me and my music and Lizzie McGuire. I didn't really get to perform that song live because I didn't own it.”
Reclaiming Her Connection
Despite the earlier detachment, Duff now finds great joy in “What Dreams Are Made Of,” especially since it has become beloved by a generation of fans. She also hinted at the possibility of reclaiming the song on a future tour, marking her return as a pop star.
Summary
Hilary Duff once felt distant from her hit “What Dreams Are Made Of” due to copyright and branding issues, but she now embraces its impact and may feature it again in her comeback.