In a wide-ranging interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, pop star Miley Cyrus talked about how her relationship with fans has changed since her early days as Hannah Montana. She also reflected on how her identity has shifted over the years.
The 32-year-old explained that her audience has changed as she moved away from her Disney Channel persona. “That’s a change for my audience,” she said. “They don’t have this direct access the way that you would’ve had every night on your TV. When you were little, you would watch episodes of Hannah Montana and hear me all day if you wanted to listen to my music.”
Cyrus described herself back then as “a friend to the world.” She said media was different at that time. “There was something accessible because I was on TV and I was touring,” she said. “It was a different time in media, too.”
Why She Nearly Skipped the Grammys
Cyrus also shared that she almost did not attend the 2024 Grammy Awards. At the event, she won her first Grammy for her hit song “Flowers.”
“Every time I’ve lost or not been nominated, the way I’ve been OK with that is by saying ‘that doesn’t matter to me,’” she told Lowe. “But I was avoiding the fact that it did matter to me somewhere… Receiving that Grammy for ‘Flowers’ felt more like a band-aid on a broken heart.”
The win was an important moment in her career. “You’re allowed to love your hits,” Cyrus said. “‘Flowers’ is my favorite song in my discography. When you love a song that other people love, it’s like the most magical, close-to-God feeling.”
After feeling that validation, she said she finally felt free to create the album she had been wanting to make her whole adult career.
The Importance of Pop Music
Cyrus spoke strongly in support of pop music, calling it the heart of cultural relevance.
“Anyone I’ve spoken to who has stayed relevant for 50 years in their career, like Stevie Nicks or Elton John, keeps up with culture and what’s relevant,” she said. “Stevie told me, even 10 years ago, that she was listening to new music—even before it comes out. Pop stars stay in the know. Legends keep up and listen to pop music.”
She added, “There’s this weird idea that pop is shallow or not serious, but staying culturally aware is an art form. To keep evolving, you have to stay connected.”
Praise for Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan
Cyrus praised new artists Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan for their talent and strong performances.
“I can’t believe how Chappell Roan sounds live,” she said. “There’s a lot of pressure around live performances, and she killed it at the Grammys.”
About Sabrina Carpenter, Cyrus said she “blew my mind at SNL 50.” She admired both artists for their skill and composure under pressure. “I know the courage it takes to do what they’re doing at that level,” she added.
Finding Peace Through Sobriety
Sobriety was another important topic in the interview. Cyrus said it has changed her life.
“That’s my god,” she said. “I need it. I live for it. It’s changed my entire life.”
This change has helped her approach her work and her relationships with fans differently. Being sober has brought her clarity and creativity, allowing her to focus on her art with more purpose.
Still Proud of Hannah Montana
Though far from her Disney days, Cyrus remains proud of the show that launched her career.
“I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana,” she said at the 2024 Disney Legends Awards. “This award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing, loyal fans and to everyone who has made my dream a reality.”
Quoting her famous character, she smiled and added, “To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.’”
What’s Next for Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus is entering a new creative phase with a new project coming soon. She feels confident and ready. Her full interview with Zane Lowe will air on May 21 at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT on Apple Music 1. There, she will share more about her creative process, the music industry, and what it takes to thrive in the spotlight.
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