Miley Cyrus Opens Up on Two Decades of Fame and Harsh Judgment
Miley Cyrus, the globally recognised singer and actress, has candidly discussed the intense scrutiny she faced while growing up in the public eye. Now 33 years old, Cyrus first found fame two decades ago with the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, a role that catapulted her into the spotlight at a young age.
Learning from a Legend: Dolly Parton's Enduring Influence
Cyrus credits her godmother, country music icon Dolly Parton, with providing invaluable life lessons that have helped her navigate the complexities of fame. She recently performed a rendition of Light of a Clear Blue Morning with Parton to celebrate the legend's 80th birthday, an experience she describes as incredible.
"I not only love her, I am in awe of her," Cyrus revealed. "Her motto of 'You do you and I'll do me' is something I always hold on to. When I first transitioned away from Hannah Montana I felt a lot of judgment, and I wish I had taken that advice then."
The singer emphasised that "nobody should feel judged when all they are trying to do is find their own identity and place in the world," reflecting on her own journey of self-discovery amidst public criticism.
Making Peace with a Pop Culture Phenomenon
For years, Cyrus actively tried to distance herself from the wholesome image associated with her Hannah Montana character, embracing a more controversial persona during her early twenties. This period included the provocative Wrecking Ball music video and risqué performances that generated significant media attention.
However, the star has now reached a place of acceptance regarding her showbiz origins. "For so long I tried to shake the image, but now I am confident in who I am," she explained. "I look back with great memories. If it weren't for Hannah, I wouldn't be where I am now."
Cyrus finds it particularly meaningful that the original audience of the show has matured alongside her. "I find it incredibly cool that the girls who used to watch the show will be around my age now – it's like we have grown up together," she noted, hinting at potential anniversary celebrations for the series that first aired twenty years ago.
Professional Success and Personal Happiness
Professionally, Cyrus continues to achieve remarkable success. In 2024, she celebrated her first two Grammy Awards following the global chart dominance of her hit single Flowers, which reached number one in over forty countries. Her ninth studio album, Something Beautiful, released last year, received widespread critical acclaim.
On the personal front, Cyrus is engaged to musician Maxx Morando, 27, whom she met on a blind date in 2021. The couple announced their engagement in December, marking a new chapter for the star following her divorce from Australian actor Liam Hemsworth in 2020.
"Life teaches you lessons, and sometimes you have to learn the hard way," Cyrus reflected. "This time I am a lot more protective of my relationship and we both really value our privacy."
Despite the six-year age difference with her fiancé, Cyrus appreciates their contrasting perspectives. "He looks at life really differently than I do," she observed. "He grew up with a laptop. I had a desktop computer that I shared with my brothers and sisters." She added that Morando helps her be "a better artist as well as a better person" and values his ability to not take life too seriously.
Reflecting on Past Controversies with New Perspective
In 2023, Cyrus spoke about experiencing guilt and shame regarding the controversies that surrounded her younger years. She has since gained a clearer understanding of the disproportionate scrutiny she faced.
"Now that I'm an adult, I realise how harshly I was judged," she acknowledged. The star believes the entertainment industry has a responsibility to "let kids be kids" regardless of their celebrity status. "They can never get that time back, I know I can't, and the big players have a duty to protect them," she asserted.
Wisdom for the Next Generation of Stars
Drawing from two decades of experience in the spotlight, Cyrus offers practical advice to young celebrities embarking on their own careers.
- Don't Google yourself: "People can be really cruel online and no good can come from reading it."
- Establish boundaries: Protect your mental health and don't be afraid to say no.
- Find personal confidence anchors: For Cyrus, remembering her acclaimed 2019 Glastonbury performance provides a significant self-esteem boost. "Even now when I start to get fearful of something, I just think back to my Glastonbury performance and I believe I can do anything. It's honestly not an overreaction to say Glastonbury changed my life."
Through her candid reflections, Miley Cyrus provides a nuanced perspective on fame, identity, and resilience, offering both personal insight and practical guidance for those following in her footsteps.
