For years, Miley Cyrus captivated audiences as the star of Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, becoming a household name and a beloved role model for kids everywhere. Her music soared to the top of the charts, her concerts sold out in minutes, and her face adorned countless pieces of merchandise. But as Miley grew older, she felt the need to break free from her Disney persona and show the world who she truly was—an independent, unapologetic artist.
That transformation didn’t come without controversy. In fact, one performance in particular—her 2009 Teen Choice Awards appearance—still sparks heated debates today. Miley recently opened up about the shocking performance and revealed a surprising detail: her mom, Tish Cyrus, played a pivotal role in it all.
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A Controversial Moment That Defined Her Career
In 2009, Miley performed her chart-topping hit “Party in the USA” at the Teen Choice Awards. What started as a typical awards show performance quickly turned into one of the most talked-about moments of her career.
During the routine, Miley climbed onto an ice cream cart and danced, sparking outrage from parents and fans who felt the performance was far too provocative for the then-17-year-old Disney star. Critics labeled it the “pole-dancing moment,” and the backlash was swift.
Now, 15 years later, Miley is setting the record straight. Speaking on Spotify’s Billions Club podcast with her sister Brandi, Miley revealed that the idea for the infamous performance didn’t come from her, or even her management team—it came from her mom.
“Do you know whose idea that was? Yup, that was my mom’s idea. So she always lets me take the blame. When I got in trouble the next day, you know who was nowhere to be found? Tish Cyrus.”
From Controversy to Diamonds
Looking back, Miley can laugh about the controversy and even find a silver lining in the moment. “The thing that I remember most about that performance was it was the first time I ever wore real diamond jewelry on stage,” Miley shared. “So you guys remember a little old ice cream truck, I remember the diamonds.”
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While the performance alienated some of her Disney-era fan base, Miley doesn’t dwell on the backlash anymore. Instead, she focuses on how moments like these helped shape her into the bold, self-assured artist she is today.
A Complicated Family Bond
Miley’s candid revelation about her mom adds another layer to their already complex relationship. Over the years, Miley and Tish Cyrus have weathered plenty of ups and downs, including Tish’s high-profile divorce from Miley’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus, in 2022. The divorce reportedly divided the family, with Miley choosing to support her mom through the difficult time.
Miley’s relationship with her father, however, has been far more strained. Earlier this year, leaked audio captured Billy Ray making harsh comments about his daughter, further widening the gap between them. Despite the challenges, Miley continues to prioritize the relationships in her life that bring her joy.
Fame, Family, and Forgiveness
Miley’s journey from Disney Channel star to global pop icon is one filled with highs and lows, but her ability to reflect on those moments with humor and grace is what sets her apart. Her revelation about the Teen Choice Awards performance serves as a reminder that fame and family are rarely simple, especially when the two collide.
Whether you remember her for Hannah Montana, her music, or that infamous ice cream cart moment, Miley’s story is one of resilience, growth, and the strength to embrace every part of her past—even the controversial bits.
What do you think about Miley’s mom playing a role in one of her most talked-about performances? Was it just a bold artistic choice or something more? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
