Miley Cyrus, a name synonymous with evolution, reinvention, and an unapologetic embrace of self, has captivated audiences worldwide since her emergence as a child star. Her journey through the ever-changing landscape of popular culture is a testament to her enduring artistry and her profound ability to connect with fans on a deeply personal level. From the bright lights of the Disney Channel to the experimental depths of her musical explorations, Cyrus has consistently pushed boundaries, defied expectations, and forged a path uniquely her own. Her career is a dynamic tapestry woven with threads of massive commercial success, critical acclaim, and moments of intense public scrutiny, all of which have contributed to the multifaceted artist she is today.
Over the years, the public has been granted a front-row seat to Miley’s transformations, witnessing not just her musical and stylistic shifts, but also her personal growth. Each album, each role, and each public statement has offered a glimpse into the mind of an artist constantly seeking authenticity and creative fulfillment. This in-depth look at her storied career provides the essential context for understanding the various chapters of her life, illuminating the experiences that have shaped her perspective and perhaps, informed her ongoing dialogue with the demands and allure of show business. Her story is one of a relentless drive to evolve, ensuring that her voice, both literally and figuratively, is always heard.
Prepare to delve into the pivotal moments that have defined Miley Cyrus’s remarkable trajectory. We will explore the milestones that cemented her status as an influential figure in popular music, a versatile actress, and a committed humanitarian. Through this exploration, we aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of the artistry and personal conviction that underscore every facet of her career, celebrating the journey of an artist who continually redefines what it means to be a global superstar.
1. From Destiny Hope to Miley: The Formative Years and Early Aspirations
The story of Miley Cyrus begins not with a pop anthem, but with a name full of promise: Destiny Hope Cyrus, born on November 23, 1992, in Franklin, Tennessee. Her parents, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus and Leticia “Tish” Jean Cyrus, believed she was destined for great things, a sentiment reflected in her birth name. She was even born with supraventricular tachycardia, a condition causing an abnormal resting heart rate, adding an early note of intensity to her life’s narrative. Her frequent smiles as an infant earned her the nickname “Smiley,” which her parents later shortened to “Miley,” a name she legally adopted in 2008, adding “Ray” in honor of her grandfather, Ronald Ray Cyrus.
Her family’s move to Toronto, Canada, in 2001, when Miley was just eight, proved to be a pivotal moment. It was there, while her father filmed the television series *Doc*, that the spark of performing ignited within her. After seeing a Mirvish production of *Mamma Mia!*, Miley seized her father’s arm and declared, “This is what I want to do, daddy. I want to be an actress.” This declaration marked the beginning of her formal training, as she soon began taking singing and acting lessons at the Armstrong Acting Studio in Toronto.
Miley’s earliest acting roles gave her a taste of the entertainment world. She appeared as Kylie in her father’s *Doc* series and later received credit as “Young Ruthie” in Tim Burton’s 2003 film *Big Fish*. During this period, she even auditioned alongside Taylor Lautner for *The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D*. However, destiny had a different plan, as she ultimately chose to pursue a role that would soon catapult her to global fame, a decision orchestrated with the help of her mother, who took on the crucial role of Miley’s manager, assembling a dedicated team to nurture her burgeoning career.
2. The Hannah Montana Phenomenon: A Teen Idol’s Ascendancy
At the tender age of thirteen, Miley Cyrus auditioned for the Disney Channel television series *Hannah Montana*. Initially aiming for the role of Miley Stewart’s best friend, her comical performance during the audition led producers to consider her for the lead instead. Despite being initially deemed “too small and too young,” her undeniable singing talent and goofy acting abilities ultimately secured her the iconic role. This decision would forever alter the course of her life and define an entire generation’s childhood.
The series premiered in March 2006 to an unprecedented audience, marking the largest viewership for a Disney Channel program at the time. It swiftly climbed the ranks to become one of the highest-rated series on basic cable, cementing Miley’s status as a bona fide “teen idol.” The success of *Hannah Montana* wasn’t limited to television; Walt Disney Records released a soundtrack credited to her character in October 2006, which became both a critical and commercial success, topping the Billboard 200 chart and selling over three million copies worldwide.
This early success led to an expansive partnership with The Walt Disney Company, making Cyrus the first act within the company to secure deals across television, film, consumer products, and music. Her solo music career began in earnest with a four-album deal with Hollywood Records, distinct from her *Hannah Montana* soundtracks. This led to the two-disc album *Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus* in June 2007, with the second disc serving as her debut studio album. It too reached the top of the Billboard 200 and sold millions, showcasing her dual appeal. The lead single, “See You Again” (2007), became a commercial hit, selling over two million copies in the US, further solidifying her musical presence. The unprecedented demand for tickets to her *Best of Both Worlds Tour* (2007–08) was likened by Ticketmaster officials to the fervor surrounding “The Beatles or Elvis,” culminating in a successful 3D concert film, *Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert*.
3. Navigating the Glare: Early Controversies and Expanding Artistic Horizons
As Miley’s star continued to rise, so did the intensity of public scrutiny. In February 2008, she and friend Mandy Jiroux began posting videos online dubbed “The Miley and Mandy Show,” garnering a significant online following and an early glimpse into her personality beyond her Disney persona. However, the year also brought its first waves of controversy when, in April 2008, personal pictures of Cyrus in her underwear and swimsuit were leaked online after a teenager hacked her Gmail account. This incident foreshadowed the challenges she would face in maintaining privacy in the digital age.
Further controversy erupted later that year when reports surfaced of a topless photoshoot with Annie Leibovitz for *Vanity Fair*. The *New York Times* quickly clarified that the then-15-year-old Cyrus was wrapped in a bed sheet and not actually topless, but the incident sparked widespread debate about her image and the pressures of growing up in the public eye. Despite these challenges, Miley continued to forge ahead with her career, releasing her second studio album, *Breakout* (2008), which earned the highest first-week sales of her career and became her third album to top the Billboard 200.
Her acting career also saw notable expansion during this period. She starred alongside John Travolta in the critically and commercially successful animated film *Bolt* (2008), making her debut as a film actress. She also co-wrote and performed the Golden Globe-nominated song “I Thought I Lost You” for the film. In March 2009, she released “The Climb” from the *Hannah Montana: The Movie* soundtrack, a crossover hit in both pop and country, and by age 16, she became the youngest artist in history to have four number-one albums on the Billboard 200. This era culminated with her first fashion line, “Miley Cyrus and Max Azria,” launched through Walmart, and the release of the EP *The Time of Our Lives* featuring her signature song “Party in the U.S.A.,” which she described as a “transitioning album” hinting at her future musical direction. Her first world tour, the *Wonder World Tour* (2009), was a critical and commercial triumph, and she even performed for Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Variety Performance, capping off a year where Billboard ranked her as the fourth best-selling female music artist.
4.The Unveiling of a New Image: ‘Can’t Be Tamed’ and the Focus on Acting
By 2010, Miley Cyrus was determined to shed her Disney-bred image and embrace a more mature persona. This aspiration was evident in her starring role in *The Last Song* (2010), a film based on a Nicholas Sparks novel. While the movie was met with negative critical reviews, it proved to be a box office hit, demonstrating her drawing power beyond the Hannah Montana brand. This cinematic venture was a clear signal of her desire to be taken seriously as an actress.
Her musical output also reflected this shift with the release of her third studio album, *Can’t Be Tamed* (2010). The album embraced a more dance-oriented sound, a significant departure from her earlier pop-rock offerings, and stirred considerable controversy due to its lyrical content and her provocative live performances. Although it sold 106,000 copies in its first week, it marked her first studio album not to top the Billboard 200, indicating a fan base grappling with her evolving artistic direction. Her final *Hannah Montana* soundtrack, released that October, was seen as a commercial failure in comparison to her previous successes, underscoring the conclusion of that chapter.
Further controversies continued to define this period, notably a video posted online in December 2010 showing the then-eighteen-year-old smoking salvia with a bong, sparking another wave of media frenzy. Despite the public scrutiny, 2010 concluded with her ranking at number thirteen on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, a testament to her undeniable influence. Her worldwide *Gypsy Heart Tour* in April 2011 notably excluded North American dates, with Cyrus openly citing her controversial moments as the reason, stating her desire to travel only where she felt “the most love.” Following *Can’t Be Tamed*, she officially parted ways with Hollywood Records and announced a hiatus from music to fully concentrate on her acting career, confirming that she would not be attending college.
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5. Hollywood Hustle: SNL, Film Exits, and a Bold Transformation
Miley’s commitment to her acting career and her willingness to address public perceptions were highlighted when she hosted *Saturday Night Live* on March 5, 2011. During her appearance, she bravely poked fun at her recent controversies, demonstrating a self-awareness and humor that resonated with audiences. This moment marked a step towards taking control of her narrative and reframing the public’s perception of her.
However, her journey through Hollywood was not without its bumps. In November 2011, she was announced as the voice of Mavis in the animated film *Hotel Transylvania*, but by February 2012, she was replaced by Selena Gomez. While initially citing a desire to focus on music, it was later revealed the real reason for her exit was a more personal, scandalous incident involving a -shaped birthday cake she bought for then-boyfriend Liam Hemsworth. This anecdote, later revealed, perfectly encapsulated the blend of personal choices and professional repercussions that characterized her career during this time.
She continued to pursue various acting roles, appearing on MTV’s *Punk’d* and starring alongside Demi Moore in the independent film *LOL* (2012), which, despite its star power, had a limited release and was both a critical and commercial failure. She also took on a leading role in the comedy film *So Undercover*, playing an undercover FBI agent at a college sorority. Complementing her acting endeavors, Cyrus independently released a series of live performances on YouTube called the *Backyard Sessions* throughout spring and summer 2012, covering classic songs she personally loved. She also collaborated on “Morning Sun” (2012) with Rock Mafia and provided guest vocals on Borgore’s “Decisions” (2012), showcasing her diverse musical interests. A significant personal transformation occurred when she dramatically cut her traditionally long, brown hair into a blonde pixie cut. She famously commented that she had “never felt more [herself] in [her] whole life” and that “it really changed [her] life,” signaling a profound internal and external shift.
6. The ‘Bangerz’ Era: A Full-Throttle Reinvention and Chart Domination
The year 2013 marked a seismic shift in Miley Cyrus’s career trajectory, largely spearheaded by her decision to hire Larry Rudolph, known for managing Britney Spears, and her move to RCA Records. This new management and label partnership paved the way for her fourth studio album, *Bangerz*, which saw her experimenting with a bold, hip hop-influenced sound. She collaborated with influential producers like Pharrell Williams and Mike Will Made-It, as well as numerous hip hop artists, laying the groundwork for a daring musical evolution. Her collaborations included Snoop Lion’s “Ashtrays and Heartbreaks” (2013) and will.i.am’s “Fall Down” (2013), the latter marking her first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 since “Can’t Be Tamed.” She also provided guest vocals on the Lil Twist song “Twerk” (which leaked online) and was featured on Mike Will Made It’s hit single “23” with Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J, which peaked at number eleven on the Hot 100.
June 3, 2013, saw the release of “We Can’t Stop,” her highly anticipated comeback single. It quickly achieved worldwide commercial success, topping charts in the United Kingdom and setting a Vevo record for most views within twenty-four hours of release, becoming the first music video to reach 100 million views on the site. However, it was her performance with Robin Thicke at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards that truly ignited widespread media attention and public scrutiny. Her simulated acts with a foam finger were described as “disturbing” and the entire performance as “cringe-worthy,” becoming one of the most talked-about cultural moments of the year.
Coincidentally, on the same day as the VMAs, Cyrus released “Wrecking Ball” (2013), the second single from *Bangerz*. Its accompanying music video, famously featuring her swinging on a wrecking ball, garnered over nineteen million views within 24 hours. The video drew criticism from some, including fellow singer Sinéad O’Connor, who publicly advised Cyrus against allowing herself to be “pimped” by the music business, cautioning that it would obscure her talent. Despite the controversy, “Wrecking Ball” became Cyrus’s first single to top the Hot 100 in the US, holding the number-one spot for three weeks and selling over two million copies, solidifying her status as a global superstar unafraid to provoke and challenge.
7. Beyond ‘Bangerz’: Documenting the Movement and Embracing the Experimental
The *Bangerz* era was so transformative that it became the subject of a documentary, *Miley: The Movement*, which aired on MTV on October 2, 2013, chronicling the recording of her acclaimed fourth studio album. The album itself, released on October 4, was a commercial juggernaut, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with 270,000 first-week sales. Her multifaceted talent was further highlighted when she hosted *Saturday Night Live* for the second time on October 5, showcasing her comedic timing and willingness to parody her own controversies. By late 2013, MTV had officially declared her “Artist of the Year,” cementing her unparalleled impact on popular culture.
Cyrus continued to push creative boundaries, famously performing an acoustic concert on *MTV Unplugged* on January 29, 2014, featuring a memorable guest appearance by Madonna. This performance became the highest-rated *MTV Unplugged* in a decade, with over 1.7 million streams. Her influence extended into fashion as well, with a feature in the Marc Jacobs Spring 2014 campaign. That year also saw the launch of her controversial *Bangerz Tour*, which, despite its provocative nature, received positive critical reception. This period also brought personal challenges, including the tragic loss of her Alaskan Klee Kai and a hospitalization due to an allergic reaction, leading to rescheduled tour dates but ultimately a resilient return to the stage.
This drive for artistic exploration led her to collaborate with the Flaming Lips on their remake of *The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band*. During this project, she began working with Wayne Coyne on her fifth studio album, intentionally taking her time to craft the music until it felt truly ready. Coyne himself likened their collaborative material to the catalogs of Pink Floyd and Portishead, describing their sound as “a slightly wiser, sadder, more true version” of Cyrus’s pop music. Reports emerged in 2015 that she was working on two albums simultaneously, one of which she aimed to release for free, even expressing a willingness to end her contract with RCA Records if they refused to support this vision. This culminated in her hosting the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, where she not only became its first openly panual host but also surprised everyone with a performance of a new song, “Dooo It!” Immediately after, she announced the free streaming release of her fifth studio album, *Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz* (2015), on SoundCloud. The album, primarily written and produced by Cyrus, was hailed as experimental and psychedelic, weaving in elements of psychedelic pop, rock, and alternative pop, showcasing an artist truly unbound by commercial constraints and fully committed to her artistic freedom.
8. The Voice, ‘Younger Now,’ and a Return to Roots (2016-2017)
Following the experimental foray of *Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz*, Cyrus pivoted back to the mainstream in a significant way, embracing new opportunities in television while simultaneously crafting music that reflected a more introspective and authentic self. In 2015, she began working on her sixth studio effort, but not before taking on a prominent role as a key advisor during the tenth season of the reality singing competition *The Voice*. Her natural charisma and undeniable expertise made her a fan favorite, leading to her signing on as a coach for the eleventh season, where she made history as the youngest coach to appear in any incarnation of the series.
Beyond the competitive stage of *The Voice*, Cyrus continued to explore her acting chops, appearing in Woody Allen’s television series *Crisis in Six Scenes* in September 2016, playing a radical activist in a 1960s household. She also lent her voice, albeit uncredited, as Mainframe in the superhero film *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2* in May 2017. These roles demonstrated her continued willingness to diversify her artistic portfolio, showcasing her versatility across different mediums and genres.
The musical centerpiece of this period arrived on May 11, 2017, with the release of “Malibu,” the lead single from her highly anticipated sixth album. This song marked a noticeable return to a more stripped-down, country-pop sound, resonating deeply with fans and critics alike. It debuted at No. 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 before swiftly climbing to No. 10 in its second week, signaling a successful re-entry into the pop landscape. The album, *Younger Now*, released on September 29, 2017, further embraced this return-to-roots aesthetic, with Cyrus performing its title track at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards.
This era also saw Miley use her platform for heartfelt tributes and humanitarian efforts. She performed the promotional single “Inspired” at the One Love Manchester benefit concert and later, as part of her regular musical appearances on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*, sang her 2009 hit single “The Climb” and Dido’s “No Freedom” to honor the victims of the Las Vegas shooting. Despite her return as a coach for the thirteenth season of *The Voice*, Cyrus ultimately confirmed she would not be returning for season fourteen, choosing instead to focus on her music. Notably, she also decided not to release any further singles from *Younger Now* nor tour for it, an intriguing decision that hinted at her continuous pursuit of artistic autonomy.
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9. ‘She Is Coming,’ Collaborations, and ‘Black Mirror’ (2018-2019)
Even before the dust settled on *Younger Now*, Cyrus was already deep into crafting her next sonic evolution. By September 2017, she had expressed being “already two songs deep on the next [album],” teasing new collaborations with familiar faces like Mike Will Made It and fresh talents like Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt. This period set the stage for a burst of collaborative energy, most notably with Mark Ronson on “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” from his 2019 album *Late Night Feelings*. Released in November 2018, the track was met with immense commercial reception, particularly in Europe, where it soared to number two on the UK Singles Chart and topped charts in several Eastern European countries, underscoring her global appeal.
Cyrus also distinguished herself through a series of powerful and critically acclaimed cover songs during the first quarter of 2019. Her tributes included honoring Fleetwood Mac at the MusiCares Person of the Year and celebrating her godmother Dolly Parton by performing “Islands in the Stream” alongside Shawn Mendes, with whom she also performed “In My Blood” at the 61st Grammy Awards. Her diverse renditions spanned Ariana Grande’s “No Tears Left to Cry” for BBC Radio’s Live Lounge, Chris Cornell’s “As Hope & Promise Fade” at his tribute concert, and Elton John’s “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” which was featured in a tribute album.
In a highly anticipated announcement on May 31, 2019, Cyrus revealed an ambitious plan for her seventh studio album, titled *She Is Miley Cyrus*. This project was designed as a triptych of three six-song EPs, preceding the full-length album: *She Is Coming* in May, *She Is Here* in the summer, and *She Is Everything* in the fall. *She Is Coming* included vocal collaborations with a diverse array of artists such as RuPaul, Swae Lee, Mike Will Made It, and Ghostface Killah, debuting at number five on the US Billboard 200. Its lead single, “Mother’s Daughter,” not only entered the US Billboard Hot 100 but also earned two MTV Video Music Awards for its original music video, further cementing her cultural impact. She promoted the EP with a summer European tour, gracing stages at A-list festivals like Glastonbury and Primavera Sound.
Beyond music, Cyrus showcased her acting prowess in a captivating episode of the Netflix sci-fi series *Black Mirror*, titled “Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too,” which premiered in June 2019. In a role that resonated deeply with her own experiences in the music industry, she portrayed fictional pop star Ashley O and voiced her AI doll extension, Ashley Too. The plot drew notable comparisons to Britney Spears’s conservatorship and the burgeoning #FreeBritney movement, for which Cyrus had become an outspoken advocate. This period also saw significant musical collaborations, including “Don’t Call Me Angel” with Ariana Grande and Lana Del Rey for the *Charlie’s Angels* soundtrack, and the poignant release of “Slide Away,” her first song since announcing her separation from then-husband Liam Hemsworth, with lyrics like “Move on, we’re not 17, I’m not who I used to be” directly addressing her evolving life.
10.’Plastic Hearts’ and a Rock & Glam Evolution (2020)
The trajectory of the “She Is Miley Cyrus” project was dramatically altered by profound personal upheavals in Cyrus’s life, including her divorce from Liam Hemsworth and the devastating loss of her home in the Woolsey Fire. These experiences reshaped her artistic direction, leading to the cancellation of the planned *She Is Here* and *She Is Everything* EPs, as she candidly stated that the new circumstances no longer fit the original essence of the project. From these ashes, a powerful new chapter emerged.
On August 14, 2020, Cyrus unveiled “Midnight Sky,” the lead single from her re-envisioned seventh studio album. This track immediately resonated, becoming her highest-charting solo single since “Malibu” in 2017, peaking at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number five on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s raw energy and disco-rock sensibilities offered a tantalizing preview of her new sound, and it later gained further traction through a dynamic mashup with Stevie Nicks’s iconic “Edge of Seventeen.”
October saw Cyrus host a third *Backyard Session* on MTV, where she officially announced her seventh studio album, *Plastic Hearts*, for release on November 27, 2020. This album was a decisive leap into the realms of rock and glam rock, a genre shift that was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. *Plastic Hearts* made an impressive debut at number two on the Billboard 200, moving 60,000 units in its first week. This achievement solidified a remarkable record for Cyrus: attaining the most US Billboard 200 top-five albums in the 21st century by a female music artist, a testament to her enduring appeal and consistent ability to connect with a vast audience.
*Plastic Hearts* spawned further successful singles, including the electrifying “Prisoner” featuring English singer Dua Lipa and the emotive “Angels like You,” which peaked at numbers 8 and 66 respectively in the United Kingdom. The album was also enriched by high-profile vocal collaborations with rock legends Billy Idol and Joan Jett, who seamlessly integrated into Cyrus’s new sound. Furthermore, due to popular demand and their social media virality, Cyrus notably included live covers of Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” and The Cranberries’ “Zombie” on the album, showcasing her ability to reinterpret classics with her own distinctive rock flair.
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11. Record Label Shifts, Major Collaborations, and Television Projects (2021-2022)
The period spanning 2021 and 2022 was marked by a flurry of activity, seeing Miley Cyrus solidify her status as a multifaceted entertainer through significant career moves, high-profile collaborations, and impactful television ventures. Kicking off this vibrant phase, Cyrus was honored with a 2020 Webby Special Achievement Award, recognizing her digital influence and innovative use of online platforms. February 2021 saw her take the stage for the inaugural TikTok Tailgate show in Tampa, performing for 7,500 vaccinated healthcare workers as a pre-show event before Super Bowl LV, a performance that not only aired on TikTok and CBS but was also featured in the music video for “Angels like You.”
A pivotal career development occurred in March 2021 when Cyrus departed RCA Records, signing a new deal with Columbia Records, a sister label under the Sony Music umbrella. This move signaled a fresh chapter in her recording career. That same month, she publicly embraced her *Hannah Montana* legacy by writing a poignant open letter to the character on social media for the show’s 15th anniversary, a gesture that came despite previous statements about the show causing her an identity crisis. This sparked renewed rumors about a possible revival of the beloved series. Her first release under Columbia Records soon followed, a remix of The Kid Laroi’s hit single “Without You,” released on April 23, 2021.
Cyrus continued to make her presence felt on major stages, performing at the NCAA March Madness Final Four in Indianapolis on April 3, 2021, with frontline healthcare workers in attendance, further demonstrating her commitment to using her platform for good. In May 2021, she secured an overarching deal with NBCUniversal, which included a first-look deal with her production studio, Hopetown Entertainment. This partnership would see her develop projects for the company’s various outlets and star in three specials, with the first being the *Stand By You Pride* concert special, released the following month on Peacock.
Her collaborative spirit shone brightly in June with the release of a studio cover version of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.” This powerful rendition was included in *The Metallica Blacklist*, a tribute album marking the 30th anniversary of the band’s iconic record. The track itself was a star-studded affair, featuring Elton John on piano, Yo-Yo Ma, and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, underscoring the immense respect she commands across genres. Originally teasing a Metallica cover album in October 2020, Cyrus had already performed the track live during her acclaimed set at Glastonbury, further building anticipation for this monumental release.
While her planned *Plastic Hearts* concert tour was postponed due to the pandemic, Cyrus successfully headlined several major music festivals across the country during the summer of 2021, including Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, and Music Midtown. Towards the end of the year, she announced her return to South America for the first time in seven years for a tour in early 2022. The second special under her NBCUniversal deal, *Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party*, saw her co-host from Miami with *Saturday Night Live* cast member Pete Davidson, also serving as co-executive producer through Hopetown Entertainment, featuring a star-studded lineup of performances.
12. The ‘Attention Tour’ and Live Album (2022)
Building on the momentum of her rock-infused *Plastic Hearts* era and a slew of high-profile appearances, Miley Cyrus embarked on her highly anticipated *Attention Tour* in February 2022. This music festival concert tour took her across North, South, and Central America, marking her first return to South America since her *Gypsy Heart Tour* in 2011, much to the delight of her international fanbase. The tour, a vibrant showcase of her evolved artistry, concluded on March 26, 2022, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
A significant output from this dynamic period was the release of her third live album, *Attention: Miley Live*, on April 1, 2022. Much of this album was recorded during her electrifying concert as part of the Super Bowl Music Fest at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 12, 2022. The set list was a comprehensive journey through her career, featuring beloved songs from *Plastic Hearts*, *Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz*, *Bangerz*, *The Time of Our Lives*, *Breakout*, and *Meet Miley Cyrus*, alongside multiple captivating cover songs.
What made *Attention: Miley Live* particularly special was its collaborative spirit; Cyrus herself stated that the album was “curated by the fans for the fans,” emphasizing her deep connection with her audience. The album also offered a tantalizing glimpse into her future with the inclusion of two previously unreleased tracks, “Attention” and “You,” further engaging her dedicated followers. Critics lauded her performance, with Emily Swingle of *Clash* giving acclaim to Cyrus’s versatile vocals, saying her “voice is truly a force to be reckoned with, seamlessly fitting whatever genre she chooses to tackle. From the playful, country-hip-hop banger that is ‘4×4′, to rap-heavy ’23’, to the bluesy, rich cover of Janis Joplin’s ‘Maybe’, it seems like Cyrus can fit into just about any genre she gets her paws on.”
Later that month, Cyrus released the deluxe version of *Attention: Miley Live*, which expanded the experience with six additional songs. These bonus tracks primarily captured moments from her time at the Lollapalooza festival in Brazil and other shows across Latin America. Reflecting on her profound connection with her international audience, she shared a special note about including her single “Angels Like You” at her concert in Colombia. This was a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, as the song had reached the number one spot on iTunes in that country, and her devoted fans had serenaded her with it all night outside her hotel in Bogotá.
Continuing her successful television endeavors, NBC announced the renewal of *Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party* for a second iteration, set to air on New Year’s Eve 2022–23. This demonstrated the significant impact and popularity of her live specials. Further showcasing her strong familial and professional ties, it was announced in August 2022 that Cyrus was slated to star in the Christmas television film *Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas*, a project produced by her legendary godmother, Dolly Parton, for NBC. These diverse projects underscored her dynamic presence across music and television, continually finding new avenues for creative expression.
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13. ‘Endless Summer Vacation’ and the Global Phenomenon of ‘Flowers’ (2023)
As 2022 drew to a close, anticipation for new Miley Cyrus music began to build, fueled by teases from Cyrus herself and her longtime collaborator Mike Will Made It. The excitement reached a fever pitch during the second edition of *Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party*, where the singer dramatically announced her next lead single, “Flowers.” Released on January 13, 2023, the song was an immediate and unprecedented global phenomenon, signaling a new pinnacle in her illustrious career.
“Flowers” debuted at an astonishing number one on the Billboard Hot 100, Global 200, and Global Excl. US charts, a testament to its universal appeal and instant impact. Its dominance was sustained, as it became the longest-running leader on the Global 200 chart at the time, holding the top spot for an impressive thirteen weeks, and maintained its reign for an equal duration on the Global Excl. US charts. In the United States, it became Cyrus’s second number-one single, her first in a decade since “Wrecking Ball” (2013), and her longest-running chart-topper, holding the number-one spot for eight non-consecutive weeks.
The song’s success transcended national borders, becoming a true global hit, reaching number one in an astounding 37 countries, including major markets like Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the UK. “Flowers” was indisputably the most-streamed and most-downloaded song of 2023 across various platforms in numerous countries, and earned the distinction of being the most-consumed song on US radio, illustrating its pervasive cultural presence. It also shattered records on Spotify, becoming the fastest track to surpass both 100 million and 1 billion plays, achieving these milestones in just 7 and 112 days, respectively.
Its enduring popularity extended to the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, where it became the longest-running number one song on any Billboard airplay chart in history, with an incredible 57 weeks at the top. Furthermore, it amassed the most cumulative weeks atop all Billboard airplay charts of all time, with a staggering 106 weeks. “Flowers” not only topped year-end charts in various regions but also ranked as the second best-performing song of the year on the year-end Hot 100 chart of 2023. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) crowned it the best-selling song globally in 2023, solidifying its status as an undeniable smash hit. A demo version of the track was later made available in March 2023, offering fans an intimate look at its creative genesis.
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14. Accolades, Philanthropy, and Future Endeavors (Present)
Miley Cyrus’s career is not only defined by her artistic evolution and chart-topping hits but also by a remarkable collection of accolades that underscore her profound impact on the entertainment industry. Her trophy cabinet boasts an impressive array of honors, including three Grammy Awards—two of which were for the globally dominant “Flowers,” notably including Record of the Year—one Brit Award, five Billboard Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, and a remarkable eight Guinness World Records. Further cementing her legacy, she was named a Disney Legend, a prestigious recognition for her significant contributions to The Walt Disney Company.
Her influence is not merely anecdotal; it’s statistically affirmed by industry giants. Billboard has ranked her as the ninth-greatest Billboard 200 female artist and among the greatest pop stars of the 21st century. The RIAA recognizes her as the eighth-highest-certified female digital singles artist, highlighting her immense commercial success in the digital era. Her consistent presence on influential listicles such as the *Time 100* (2008 and 2014), *Forbes Celebrity 100* (2010 and 2015), and *30 Under 30* (2014 and 2021) further demonstrates her enduring cultural relevance and entrepreneurial spirit across different decades.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of awards and chart positions, Cyrus has channeled her passion into meaningful humanitarian work. In 2014, she founded the non-profit Happy Hippie Foundation, an organization dedicated to addressing crucial issues affecting the LGBTQ community and youth homelessness. This philanthropic endeavor has been consistently supported by her intimate web video series, the *Backyard Sessions*, where she performs covers and original songs, often bringing awareness and raising funds for her cause. Her commitment to social justice and advocacy showcases a depth that extends far beyond her musical persona.
Cyrus also stands as a proud torchbearer of a rich family legacy in entertainment, with her godmother being the legendary Dolly Parton and all her maternal siblings established entertainers, from her brother Trace in the band Metro Station to her sister Noah as an actress and musician, and Brandi as a DJ and former musician. This creative heritage undoubtedly informs her unique artistic perspective. Looking ahead, Miley Cyrus continues to innovate; her ninth studio album, *Something Beautiful*, slated for release in 2025, is poised to be a groundbreaking visual album and musical film, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.
Miley Cyrus’s journey from a beaming child star to a globally acclaimed, boundary-breaking artist has been a masterclass in navigating the complexities of fame and artistic integrity. Each reinvention, each bold statement, and each deeply personal song has contributed to a narrative of an artist relentless in her pursuit of authenticity, consistently redefining her relationship with show business on her own terms. Her story is a vibrant testament to the power of self-expression and the unwavering spirit of an artist who dares to be truly, unapologetically herself.
