How a Rare Medical Condition Has Changed Miley Cyrus’s Voice Forever
When you think of Miley Cyrus, it’s impossible not to remember the whirlwind of her early career—the Disney Channel’s bright star who became a household name as Miley Stewart on Hannah Montana. From there, she blossomed into a pop icon with a voice and style all her own. Miley’s career has seen highs and lows, reinventions, and a fiercely loyal fan base that has followed her every step.
But despite all the spotlight and success, the singer recently opened up about a challenge that has quietly shaped her life and career in ways fans might never have imagined.
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For years, Miley Cyrus has been known for her powerful, distinctive voice—one that carried her through chart-topping hits and electrifying performances. Yet, behind that signature sound lies a difficult reality, one that has impacted her ability to perform in the way she might have once dreamed.
In a revealing interview, Miley spoke candidly about a rare and debilitating medical condition that affects her vocal cords, providing insight into why she has taken a step back from touring and live performances.
The condition, known as Reinke’s edema, is a non-cancerous disorder where fluid accumulates in the outer layer of the vocal folds. This swelling causes hoarseness and a deeper voice tone.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition is rare, affecting less than one percent of the population, and is often linked to long-term smoking, acid reflux, or repetitive vocal strain. For Miley, the condition has given her voice a unique texture but has made singing live a tremendous challenge.
Speaking on Apple Music’s The Zane Lowe Show, Miley explained how the condition feels and how it impacts her daily life and career:
“This is what I look like. So, I have this very large polyp on my vocal cord, which is giving me a lot of the tone and the texture that has made me who I am, but itʼs extremely difficult to perform with, because itʼs like running a marathon with ankle weights on.
When Iʼm talking, sometimes at the end of the day, Iʼll call my mom, and sheʼll go, ‘Oh, you sound like youʼre talking through a radio.̓ And thatʼs how you know Iʼm really tired, because it creates that ultimate vocal fry.”
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Miley admits that while the condition has been a part of her life for years, her younger years’ lifestyle choices, including drinking and smoking, didn’t help the problem—although they weren’t the direct cause.
Despite treatment options like microlaryngoscopy, where surgeons remove swollen tissue, or laser therapy to shrink it, Miley has chosen not to pursue surgery. The risks associated with these procedures and the fear of waking up without the voice she knows and loves weigh heavily on her decision.
For fans hoping to see Miley back on tour, the news is bittersweet. She expressed a heartfelt wish to tour again and described how she even plans what a future tour might look like. However, with Reinke’s edema, touring isn’t currently feasible because she only performs live, and singing with this condition is incredibly taxing.
Her candid admission sheds light on the real struggles behind the glamorous music industry facade. It reminds us that even the biggest stars face health challenges that can profoundly affect their art and careers.
If you grew up watching Hannah Montana or have followed Miley’s music journey, her story may resonate in a new way. This revelation adds depth to how fans can appreciate her voice and her artistry, understanding the challenges she’s overcome.
What are some of your favorite Hannah Montana memories or Miley Cyrus songs? Let us know in the comments below!
