Miley Cyrus isn’t just a case of going down the wrong path, she’s also a puzzling figure. One moment she’s presenting herself in a sexual manner that lacks true sex appeal, styling her hair in odd double buns reminiscent of a baby devil and sticking out her tongue like a character from a cartoon. Then, in a complete shift, she’s belting out “Wrecking Ball,” a poignant and powerful pop song that stands out as one of the best singles of the year.
If she thinks acting inappropriately is a sign of maturity, she might want to rethink her strategy. Engaging in questionable behavior with foam fingers definitely doesn’t help her image as a serious artist, especially when she performs songs like “Wrecking Ball.” Some, like Elton John, speculate that she might be headed towards a breakdown, but it’s all up in the air. However, what sets Miley Cyrus apart is her sense of humor. She showed off her quirky and well-timed comedic abilities during her performances at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, especially her set at the Music Festival Village on Saturday.
\
Clad in a white hot-pants suit with laces that danced whenever she moved her hips, Cyrus put on a show involving We Can’t Stop and Party in the U.S.A. alongside dancers in inflatable mushrooms and rainbows, as well as twerking little people. The stage setup resembled a mix of a Super Mario Bros. video game and a trippy kids’ TV show from the ’70s. Amidst all the buzz surrounding Cyrus lately – from her MTV Video Music Awards performance, her nude appearance in the Wrecking Ball music video, to her breakup with Liam Hemsworth – she continues to surprise audiences. One of these surprises was her song choice at a recent performance – Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma. Originally penned by Melanie Safka, Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma was a modest hit in the ’70s but not something expected from a young artist like Cyrus. The song’s lyrics resonate with Cyrus’s own experiences with media scrutiny and public perception as she navigates her journey into adult artistry. Cyrus’s rendition of the song may have been peculiar, but it showcased her willingness to connect with older critics through their own music, a move demonstrating maturity beyond her years. And then there was her emotional performance of Wrecking Ball, which brought her to tears, showcasing a different side to her public persona. Despite all the eccentricities surrounding Cyrus, her musical talent shines through, with her controversies only adding to the emotional depth of her performances. It’s possible that her recent antics are all part of a bigger plan to captivate audiences, much like a strategic wrestling villain. In the end, whether Cyrus is intentionally playing with her image or simply following her creative instincts, she has the guidance of her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, a seasoned musician, to rely on for support. With the ability to deliver powerful performances like Wrecking Ball, Cyrus’s artistry speaks louder than any controversy that may surround her.
