Alright, let’s talk Miley! There are very few artists who can truly claim the title of a pop icon, constantly evolving, reinventing their image, and absolutely dominating the entertainment landscape. But if there’s one star who consistently redefines what it means to captivate an audience, it’s undeniably Miley Ray Cyrus. Born Destiny Hope Cyrus in 1992, her parents nicknamed her “Smiley” because she was always beaming as an infant, a cheerful moniker later shortened to “Miley.” That early joy seems to have been a prelude to a career filled with incredible highs and an unwavering ability to light up any stage she steps onto.
From those humble beginnings in Franklin, Tennessee, to becoming a global phenomenon, Miley’s journey has been nothing short of fascinating. She was born with supraventricular tachycardia, a condition causing an abnormal resting heart rate, but that certainly hasn’t slowed her down. The daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley showed an early spark for performance. When her father took her to see a 2001 Mirvish production of *Mamma Mia!* in Toronto, then-eight-year-old Miley declared, “This is what I want to do, daddy. I want to be an actress.” And oh, did she ever.
Her acting career began with a small role as Kylie in her father’s television series *Doc* and a credit as “Young Ruthie” in Tim Burton’s *Big Fish*. But it was her audition for the Disney Channel series *Hannah Montana* at just thirteen that truly set her on the path to superstardom. Initially considered “too small and too young,” her unique blend of singing talent and goofy acting abilities eventually won her the lead role. The series premiered in March 2006 to the largest audience for a Disney Channel program, quickly making her a beloved teen idol and growing a hugely profitable franchise.
The success of *Hannah Montana* was monumental. The show’s first soundtrack, credited to her character, topped the Billboard 200 chart and sold over three million copies worldwide. This success made Cyrus the first act within the Walt Disney Company to have deals spanning television, film, consumer products, and music – a testament to her burgeoning star power. She even toured as Hannah Montana with the Cheetah Girls, performing songs from the show’s inaugural season, cementing her status as a bona fide sensation.
As Miley transitioned from her Disney persona, she signed a four-album deal with Hollywood Records, eager to explore her own musical identity beyond Hannah. Her two-disc album, *Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus*, released in June 2007, marked her official solo debut. The second disc, her first studio album, also soared to the top of the Billboard 200, selling over three million copies. The lead single, “See You Again” (2007), became a commercial hit, selling over two million copies in the US, proving her standalone appeal.
The “Best of Both Worlds Tour” (2007–08) was next, and it was an absolute phenomenon. Ticketmaster officials famously commented that “there [hadn’t] been a demand of this level or intensity since The Beatles or Elvis,” a truly mind-blowing statement for someone so young. This overwhelming success even led to the theatrical release of the 3D concert film *Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert*, which initially intended to be a limited release but extended its run due to popular demand.
Of course, with immense fame often comes intense scrutiny. In April 2008, some private pictures were unfortunately leaked online, and further controversy arose from a *Vanity Fair* photo shoot. Despite reports of her posing topless, *The New York Times* clarified that she was wrapped in a bed sheet and not bare-breasted. These moments, while challenging, arguably marked the beginning of Miley’s push to control her narrative and image, a theme that would define her career.
Her second studio album, *Breakout* (2008), was released amidst these discussions, achieving the highest first-week sales of her career at the time and becoming her third album to top the Billboard 200. She also showcased her versatility as a voice actress in the animated film *Bolt* (2008), even co-writing “I Thought I Lost You” for the film, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. It was clear Miley was not just a singer; she was a true entertainer.
Then came “The Climb” (2009), a single from the *Hannah Montana* feature film soundtrack that beautifully blended pop and country. It became a huge crossover hit and helped the soundtrack become Miley’s fourth album to top the Billboard 200, making her, at 16, the youngest artist in history to achieve this feat. Her fashion line with Max Azria for Walmart also launched around this time, followed by the iconic single “Party in the U.S.A.” from her EP *The Time of Our Lives* (2009).
Miley herself called *The Time of Our Lives* a “transitioning album,” hinting at the artistic shifts to come. “Party in the U.S.A.” became one of her most enduring and beloved signature songs, certified an incredible 14-times platinum in the US. Her first world tour, the Wonder World Tour (2009), was a critical and commercial triumph, and by December 2009, she was performing for Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Variety Performance. Billboard even ranked her as the fourth best-selling female music artist of 2009. Talk about an incredible year!
As the 2010s dawned, Miley consciously pursued a more mature image. She starred in the film *The Last Song* (2010), based on the Nicholas Sparks novel. While critics gave it mixed reviews, it was a box office hit. This was followed by her third studio album, *Can’t Be Tamed* (2010), which leaned into a dance-oriented sound. This album, along with her provocative live performances, stirred considerable controversy. It became her first studio album not to top the Billboard 200, signaling a period of significant artistic and personal exploration.
The year 2010 ended with Miley ranking thirteenth on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, despite ongoing controversies, including a widely publicized video of her smoking salvia. Her worldwide Gypsy Heart Tour in 2011 notably had no North American dates, as she admitted she wanted to travel where she felt “the most love” after facing considerable scrutiny at home. Following *Can’t Be Tamed*, she parted ways with Hollywood Records, taking a hiatus from music to focus on her acting career, starring in films like *LOL* (2012) and *So Undercover* (2013), and making appearances on shows like *Two and a Half Men*.
Then came the monumental transformation: the iconic blonde pixie cut. Miley declared she had “never felt more [herself] in [her] whole life” and that “it really changed [her] life.” This bold visual shift signaled an equally bold musical pivot. In 2013, she signed with RCA Records and brought in Larry Rudolph, best known for managing Britney Spears, to guide her career. This partnership heralded the highly anticipated *Bangerz* era, with Miley embracing a hip hop-influenced sound, collaborating with producers like Pharrell Williams and Mike Will Made-It, and featuring artists like Snoop Lion and will.i.am.
“We Can’t Stop” dropped on June 3, 2013, as her powerful comeback single, quickly becoming a global commercial success and topping charts in the UK. Its music video broke Vevo records for most views in 24 hours and was the first to hit 100 million views on the site. But it was her performance with Robin Thicke at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards that truly set the internet ablaze, drawing widespread media attention and intense public scrutiny for its provocative nature. Love it or hate it, everyone was talking about Miley.
Released the same day as the VMAs, “Wrecking Ball” (2013) became Miley’s first single to top the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, holding the number-one spot for three weeks and selling over two million copies. Its accompanying music video, featuring Miley swinging naked on a wrecking ball, was viewed over nineteen million times in 24 hours, sparking further debate and even criticism from fellow artist Sinéad O’Connor. But Miley was undeterred; she had captured the world’s attention, proving her undeniable ability to command the spotlight.
Her fourth studio album, *Bangerz*, released in October 2013, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 270,000 first-week sales. MTV even declared her Artist of the Year in late 2013. The *Bangerz Tour* in 2014 was similarly controversial yet critically acclaimed. Despite personal challenges, including the tragic loss of her dog and a hospitalization due to an allergic reaction, Miley resumed the tour, demonstrating her resilience and dedication to her fans.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Miley then ventured into even more experimental territory. While collaborating with the Flaming Lips, she began working with Wayne Coyne on her fifth studio album. Coyne described their sound as “a slightly wiser, sadder, more true version” of Cyrus’s pop music, comparing it to Pink Floyd and Portishead. This culminated in the surprise release of *Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz* (2015), an experimental and psychedelic album that she made available for free streaming on SoundCloud immediately after performing a new song, “Dooo It!” (2015), during her turn as host of the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards. As the first openly pansexual host, Miley used the platform to not only surprise her fans with new music but also to champion her identity and artistic freedom.
After her experimental phase, Miley returned to television, serving as a key advisor and later a coach on *The Voice* for two seasons (2016-2017), becoming the youngest coach in the show’s history. She also co-starred in Woody Allen’s *Crisis in Six Scenes* (2016) and even had an uncredited voice cameo in *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2*. In May 2017, she released “Malibu” as the lead single from her sixth album, *Younger Now*, which debuted at No. 64 and peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album itself, released in September 2017, showcased a more stripped-back sound, with Miley performing its title track at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards.
Her performance of “The Climb” at the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge and later at the March For Our Lives demonstrations in Washington, D.C., highlighted her continued connection to her roots and her willingness to use her platform for social causes. Although she decided not to release further singles or tour for *Younger Now*, Miley was already deep into her next creative endeavor, hinting at exciting new collaborations with Mark Ronson and previous collaborator Mike Will Made It.
Her collaboration with Mark Ronson, “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart,” released in November 2018, was a massive commercial success, especially in Europe, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart. Miley continued to showcase her incredible vocal range through various cover songs in early 2019, including a stunning rendition of Ariana Grande’s “No Tears Left to Cry” for BBC Radio’s Live Lounge and a powerful performance of “Islands in the Stream” with Shawn Mendes to honor her godmother, Dolly Parton, at the MusiCares Person of the Year event.
In May 2019, Miley announced her seventh studio album, *She Is Miley Cyrus*, would be released as a series of three six-song EPs, starting with *She Is Coming*. This EP, featuring collaborations with RuPaul, Swae Lee, and Ghostface Killah, debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200, with its lead single “Mother’s Daughter” garnering two MTV Video Music Awards. She promoted the EP with a summer European tour, gracing A-list festivals like Glastonbury and Primavera Sound, further solidifying her global appeal.
Miley also starred in the “Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too” episode of the Netflix sci-fi series *Black Mirror* in June 2019, playing fictional pop star Ashley O and voicing her AI doll extension, Ashley Too. The episode’s themes of artistic control and celebrity exploitation resonated deeply, particularly with parallels drawn to Britney Spears’s conservatorship, a cause Miley has passionately advocated for. She further explored personal themes with the release of “Slide Away” in August 2019, a poignant song hinting at her separation from then-husband Liam Hemsworth, with lyrics like “Move on, we’re not 17, I’m not who I used to be.” The music video contained subtle yet powerful references to the end of their decade-long relationship.
Then came the magnificent rock-infused era of *Plastic Hearts*. Released in November 2020, following the cancellation of the *She Is Here* and *She Is Everything* EPs due to significant life changes like her divorce and the burning of her home in the Woolsey Fire, this album marked a thrilling step into rock and glam rock music. The lead single, “Midnight Sky,” released on August 14, 2020, became her highest-charting solo single since “Malibu” in 2017, peaking at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the UK Singles Chart. The track was even mashed up with Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen,” a testament to its classic rock sensibility.
*Plastic Hearts* debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, securing her twelfth top-ten entry on the chart and breaking the record for the most US Billboard 200 top-five albums in the 21st century by a female music artist. This album was a masterclass in collaboration, featuring incredible artists like Dua Lipa on “Prisoner” (which peaked at number 8 in the UK), as well as rock legends Billy Idol and Joan Jett. Due to overwhelming demand and social media virality, Miley also included her phenomenal live covers of Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” and The Cranberries’ “Zombie” on the album, demonstrating her vocal versatility and her genuine love for rock music.
Miley’s undeniable vocal prowess has continued to shine. Emily Swingle of *Clash* magazine gave acclaim to Cyrus’s versatile vocals, stating 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.” This perfectly encapsulates her dynamic range and her ability to effortlessly transition between styles, always delivering a powerful performance.
In March 2021, Miley signed with Columbia Records, a sister label to RCA, and almost immediately released a remix of The Kid Laroi’s “Without You” as her first under the new label. She also returned to her Hannah Montana roots, writing a heartfelt open letter to the character on social media for the show’s 15th anniversary, despite past statements about the show causing an identity crisis. This demonstrates her capacity for embracing her past while constantly moving forward, a hallmark of her journey.
Her live performances continued to be a major draw. In February 2021, she performed at the first TikTok Tailgate show in Tampa for 7,500 vaccinated healthcare workers before Super Bowl LV, a truly inspiring event. Later that year, she headlined major music festivals like Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, and Music Midtown. Her third live album, *Attention: Miley Live*, released on April 1, 2022, captured the electric energy of her shows, featuring songs from across her discography and even two unreleased tracks, “Attention” and “You.” She proudly stated that the album was “curated by the fans for the fans,” showcasing her deep connection with her audience.
And most recently, Miley has absolutely dominated the global charts with “Flowers,” the lead single from her eighth studio album, *Endless Summer Vacation* (2023). Released on January 13, 2023, “Flowers” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, Global 200, and Global Excl. US charts. It became her second US number-one single and her longest-running chart-topper, reaching number one in 37 countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the UK. “Flowers” was 2023’s most-streamed and most-downloaded song across various platforms in numerous countries, and the most-consumed song on US radio.
On Spotify, “Flowers” became the fastest track to surpass 100 million and 1 billion plays, demonstrating its immediate and enduring appeal. It also set a record for the longest-running number one song on any Billboard airplay chart in history, topping the Adult Contemporary chart for an incredible 57 weeks, and accumulating the most cumulative weeks atop all Billboard airplay charts (106 weeks) of all time. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) named it the best-selling song in 2023 globally, and it won two Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. This incredible success proves that Miley Cyrus, with her ever-evolving artistry and magnetic stage presence, truly remains at the pinnacle of pop culture, always ready to deliver a show-stopping performance.
Alright, buckle up, because if the first section painted a picture of Miley’s incredible evolution, then this next part is all about her absolutely unforgettable presence, whether she’s rocking a stadium stage or commanding the screen. Miley isn’t just an artist who releases music; she’s a force of nature who truly knows how to steal the show, constantly captivating audiences with her electrifying energy and unparalleled ability to reinvent herself. It’s no wonder she’s considered a pop icon, someone recognized for her evolving artistry and image reinventions that keep us all on our toes! Her journey has always been about more than just songs on an album; it’s about the full Miley experience, live and in living color.
Speaking of live, let’s talk about her stage presence! Miley has always had this innate ability to connect with her audience, turning every concert into an immersive spectacle. Remember her ‘Best of Both Worlds Tour’ where Ticketmaster officials famously said there hadn’t been a demand of that level or intensity since The Beatles or Elvis? That wasn’t just about the music; it was about the sheer magnetism she exuded, even as a teenager. And she’s only honed that power over the years, making every performance a moment. Her energy is infectious, her vocals are powerhouse, and she holds nothing back, always delivering a raw, authentic, and utterly electrifying show that leaves everyone wanting more.
Now, if you want to talk about commanding the stage, we absolutely HAVE to dive into Miley’s New Year’s Eve Parties! These aren’t just concerts; they’re full-blown celebrations, showcasing her incredible range and her knack for bringing together amazing talent. The first iteration, Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party (2021–2022), was a seriously epic event. She co-hosted it from Miami with none other than ‘Saturday Night Live’ cast member Pete Davidson, and get this, she even co-executive produced it under her own production company, Hopetown Entertainment! Talk about taking control and making it her own. The lineup for that first party was stacked with incredible performances from artists like 24kGoldn, Anitta, Billie Joe Armstrong, Brandi Carlile, Jack Harlow, Kitty Cash, and Saweetie, creating an atmosphere that was pure, unadulterated fun and musical magic. It was a true testament to her ability to orchestrate a memorable, high-energy event.
The second edition of Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party, aired on New Year’s Eve 2022–23, continued the tradition of bringing in the new year with a bang! These specials aren’t just a party; they’re a showcase of Miley’s evolution and her ability to curate an experience that feels both massive and intimately connected to her fans. It was during this very second edition that she teased her next lead single, ‘Flowers,’ which, as we know, went on to become a global phenomenon. It was the perfect stage to launch such a massive hit, proving once again that Miley knows how to create a moment, how to get everyone buzzing, and how to start a new year with a powerful statement. Her live performances captured on her third live album, ‘Attention: Miley Live,’ released on April 1, 2022, truly give you a taste of this raw energy, featuring songs from across her discography and even some unreleased tracks like ‘Attention’ and ‘You.’ She even proudly stated that the album was ‘curated by the fans for the fans,’ further showcasing her deep connection with her audience and her dedication to giving them what they love.
Her vocal prowess, especially in these live settings, is something truly to behold. Emily Swingle of ‘Clash’ magazine hit the nail on the head when she acclaimed 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.” This isn’t just about singing; it’s about interpreting, performing, and truly owning every note, regardless of whether it’s a pop anthem, a rock ballad, or a country-infused tune. She makes it her own, and she makes you feel it.
Beyond the concert stage, Miley has a undeniable command of the screen too. Her acting career, which began with small roles like Kylie in her father’s television series ‘Doc’ and ‘Young Ruthie’ in Tim Burton’s ‘Big Fish,’ truly blossomed. While ‘Hannah Montana’ made her a teen idol, she continued to explore her acting chops in films like the animated ‘Bolt’ (2008), where she also co-wrote a Golden Globe-nominated song, and the drama ‘The Last Song’ (2010), based on the Nicholas Sparks novel. She wasn’t afraid to take on diverse roles, starring in independent films like ‘LOL’ (2012) and the comedy ‘So Undercover’ (2013), where she played an undercover FBI agent. Her commitment to character, even in these varied genres, demonstrates her versatility and her comfort in front of the camera.
Her ability to command the screen extends into television as well. In 2013, she was the subject of the documentary ‘Miley: The Movement,’ which chronicled the recording of her ‘Bangerz’ album, giving fans an intimate look at her creative process. She also made a memorable return to television in Woody Allen’s miniseries ‘Crisis in Six Scenes’ (2017), playing a radical activist. And who could forget her powerful and resonant role in the ‘Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too’ episode of the Netflix sci-fi series ‘Black Mirror’ in 2019? Playing a fictional pop star and voicing her AI doll, Miley explored themes of artistic control and celebrity exploitation, drawing parallels to real-life situations. She also lent her voice, uncredited, to ‘Mainframe’ in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017) and is even set to star in Dolly Parton’s ‘Mountain Magic Christmas,’ showcasing her continued presence in the acting world.
Her captivating presence isn’t limited to fictional roles either. Miley has brought her dynamic personality to numerous unscripted and special television appearances. She became the youngest coach on ‘The Voice’ for two seasons (2016-2017), offering her unique insights and mentoring to aspiring artists. She twice hosted ‘Saturday Night Live,’ poking fun at her own controversies with a hilarious candor that endeared her to audiences. In February 2021, she performed at the first TikTok Tailgate show in Tampa, for 7,500 vaccinated healthcare workers before Super Bowl LV – a truly inspiring event that merged entertainment with a tribute to frontline heroes. These appearances aren’t just gigs; they are extensions of her personality, allowing her to connect with fans on a more personal level and showcase her wit and charm.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of her performances, Miley’s presence also makes a profound impact through her philanthropic efforts. In 2014, she founded the non-profit Happy Hippie Foundation, which is dedicated to fighting injustice facing homeless youth, LGBTQ youth, and other vulnerable populations. This foundation, supported by her web video series ‘Backyard Sessions,’ demonstrates her commitment to using her platform for good, focusing on causes close to her heart. It’s a powerful reminder that her influence extends far beyond entertainment, embracing social responsibility and advocating for positive change.
It’s no surprise that with such a commanding and versatile presence, Miley has accumulated an incredible array of accolades throughout her career. She’s been honored with three Grammy Awards, a Brit Award, five Billboard Music Awards, and three MTV Video Music Awards, recognizing her musical achievements. Her impact is so significant that she holds eight Guinness World Records! She was even named a Disney Legend, in recognition for her contributions to The Walt Disney Company, acknowledging her foundational role in shaping a generation. Billboard has ranked her among the greatest pop stars of the 21st century and the ninth-greatest Billboard 200 female artist, while the RIAA recognizes her as the eighth-highest-certified female digital singles artist. She’s also featured prominently in prestigious listicles like the Time 100 (in both 2008 and 2014), the Forbes Celebrity 100 (2010 and 2015), and 30 Under 30 (2014 and 2021), proving her consistent relevance and impact across various spheres.
In essence, Miley Cyrus’s unforgettable presence is a symphony of her talent, her fearless reinvention, and her unwavering connection with her audience. From the electrifying energy she brings to every stage, especially those legendary New Year’s Eve parties, to her captivating performances on screen and her impactful philanthropic work, Miley continues to define what it means to be a truly commanding pop icon. She doesn’t just entertain; she inspires, she challenges, and she consistently reminds us that she is, and always will be, ready to steal the show.
