Starring as Hannah Montana in the iconic Disney show of the same name, Miley Cyrus began her cultural impact at age 13. Since her big break into stardom, she has remained an influential icon with both her acting and her music career.
The evolution of Miley Cyrus captivates me. From the wholesome Disney star to rebellious teen-pop singer, “trashy” party girl, and pop/rock icon, Cyrus has done it all. Having to explore who you are and find yourself in the public spotlight is incredibly daunting, and time after time, child stars like Lindsay Lohan have struggled with needing to come of age while the media breathes down their backs. This ultimately leads to lifetime struggles of addiction, mental illness, abusive relationships, etc. Somehow, Cyrus defied all stereotypes, never allowing the media or society’s expectations hold her back.
It would be hard to find someone who isn’t familiar with her 2013 hit “Wrecking Ball,” either because of its popularity or it’s controversy. The shock factor of watching an ex-Disney star swing naked on a wrecking ball was undeniably impactful to the pop culture scene. Ten years later, in 2023, Cyrus has managed to remain popular with her music, with both original music and covers of iconic rock songs. After taking the time to explore who she was, Cyrus finally landed where I would say she truly belongs: rock music.
I’ve always appreciated Cyrus growing up, with a love for Hannah Montana and all consuming obsession with “The Last Song,” but my genuine awe of the singer came with the release of her 2020 album Plastic Hearts. Songs like “Gimme What I Want,” “Heart of Glass,” and “Night Crawling” prove that Cyrus has found her voice. As she’s continued to release music, she’s remained successful, but I find myself stuck on Plastic Hearts. Cyrus’ song “Angels Like You” shows fans that while she may be a wild pop/rockstar, she still has a deeply emotional side that she continues to share via her music. Her divorce from ex-husband Liam Hemsworth, who Cyrus was off and on with for 10 years, is reflected on in “Angels Like You,” sharing her love for the man who played such a significant role in her life, from meeting on the set of “The Last Song” to their 2018 wedding, no matter how the relationship may have ended. This is my love letter to Miley Cyrus as a pop-rockstar, and I am begging her to continue exploring the genre! The evolution of her deep, raspy tone paired with her ability to belt is what keeps Miley Cyrus relevant and well-loved after 16 years of stardom, even with her gradual distancing from acting.