Miley Cyrus Defends Hollywood Bowl Comeback, Calls Critics 'Clickbait'

Key points

• Cyrus performed two sold-out shows at the Hollywood Bowl, her first live appearances in four years.
• She addressed criticism regarding her vocal delivery, stating she was 'fully present' and dismissing negative reviews as clickbait.
• The concerts supported her album 'Bass Persuades,' which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 but saw a significant chart decline in its second week.
• Cyrus framed the shows as a personal boundary-testing experience rather than a traditional tour, emphasizing her mental health and emotional investment.
• She performed a tribute to her late godmother, Dolly Parton, and a duet with her fiancé, Maxx Morando.

Background

Cyrus had stepped back from touring due to mental health concerns, making these concerts a significant return to live performance. The shows were part of a two-night engagement supporting her album 'Bass Persuades,' which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 but saw a significant chart decline in its second week. The concerts featured a mix of new material and classic hits, with Cyrus candidly discussing the physical and emotional toll of performing for 18,000 fans.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Rolling Stone reported that Cyrus addressed online criticism of her vocal delivery during her second show, stating she was 'fully present' and dismissing negative reviews as clickbait. The Los Angeles Times noted that while Cyrus was honest about her emotional investment, her singing was mixed, with some songs handled by backup singers. The outlets agreed that the concerts were a significant return to live performance for Cyrus, but differed in their assessment of the vocal delivery and the album's reception.

Why it matters

The concerts marked a significant return to live performance for Cyrus, highlighting her efforts to balance her fans' emotional needs with her own mental health. The mixed critical reception and Cyrus's defensive response underscore the ongoing debate about the expectations placed on pop stars and the importance of mental health in the music industry.

What to watch

Cyrus does not currently have any further tour dates scheduled. The reception of her album 'Bass Persuades' and the critical response to her Hollywood Bowl concerts will likely influence her future touring and performance decisions.