Miley Cyrus Defends Hollywood Bowl Comeback, Admits Near-Quit After Vocal Criticism
Miley Cyrus addressed online criticism of her recent Hollywood Bowl concerts during her second sold-out show, stating she nearly canceled the performance but remained to honor her fans. She defended her vocal choices, which included letting backing tracks and audiences handle parts of her hits, as a personal experience rather than a traditional tour. The concerts marked her first major live performance in four years, featuring a tribute to her late godmother Dolly Parton and new material from her album 'Bass Persuades.'
Key points
- Cyrus told the Sunday audience she considered not performing after criticism of her Friday show, but decided to stay to avoid leaving fans 'unfulfilled.'
- She labeled online critiques of her vocal delivery as 'clickbait' and insisted she was 'fully present' on stage.
- The two-night engagement was her first major concert in four years, supporting her album 'Bass Persuades.'
- Cyrus acknowledged that performing does not come 'as natural as it once did' due to mental health concerns.
- She performed a tribute to Dolly Parton, including a rendition of 'Jolene' and a story about a flickering hallway.
Background
Cyrus had stepped back from touring for several years due to mental health issues, performing only intimate, invite-only sets. Her return to the stage was highly anticipated, with the Hollywood Bowl shows serving as a major public milestone. Previous coverage noted mixed critical reception, with some praising her honesty and others criticizing her vocal delivery and the chart performance of 'Bass Persuades.'
How outlets are covering it
The Hollywood Reporter and Variety reported that Cyrus directly addressed the criticism during the second show, calling it 'clickbait' and stating she nearly quit. The Los Angeles Times provided a more critical perspective, noting that Cyrus skipped choruses on hits like 'Wrecking Ball' and 'Party in the U.S.A.' and that the album 'Bass Persuades' had a significant chart decline. Billboard offered a positive recap, highlighting the emotional moments and the surprise appearance of Wayne Coyne, framing the show as a personal triumph. All outlets agreed that the concerts were emotionally charged and marked a significant return for Cyrus.
Why it matters
Cyrus's response highlights the tension between artist vulnerability and public expectation in the live music industry. Her decision to prioritize her mental health and personal experience over traditional performance standards reflects a growing trend among artists to redefine the concert experience. The mixed reception also underscores the challenges of returning to the stage after a long hiatus, particularly when audience expectations are high.
What to watch
Cyrus is expected to continue promoting 'Bass Persuades' and may explore more intimate or experimental performance formats in the future. The critical and fan response to the Hollywood Bowl shows will likely influence her future touring decisions and public appearances.
- Miley Cyrus on Hollywood Bowl Show Criticism: “Will Not Stand Any Question About Where My Heart Is” The Hollywood Reporter
- Miley Cyrus Fires Back at Criticism of Hollywood Bowl Concert and Considered Not Doing Second Show: ‘It’s Hard for Me to Stand Up Here’ Variety
- Miley Cyrus slams critics of Hollywood Bowl show KTLA
- Miley Cyrus is an ambivalent comeback queen Los Angeles Times
- ‘I’m Experiencing Everything I’ve Ever Wanted’: Recapping Miley’s Live Return, On Her Own Terms Billboard
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