Miley Cyrus has always been a bold figure in the world of entertainment, unafraid to reinvent herself and challenge expectations. But with reinvention comes controversy, and the singer has opened up once again about the backlash she faced in the early stages of her career after transitioning from Disney Channel’s beloved Hannah Montana into a provocative solo artist.
Looking back, Cyrus has gone so far as to say she might have been the “first person to ever be canceled.” While she admits the experience was difficult for others around her, she remembers it as an exciting and even liberating period in her life.
From Hannah Montana to a New Image
For millions of young fans, Miley Cyrus was the sweet, bubbly face of Hannah Montana. The Disney Channel series, which ran for four seasons, turned her into a household name and a global teen idol. But once the show ended, Cyrus made it clear she wanted to break free from the squeaky-clean image that defined her youth.
Her transition began with the release of her 2010 album Can’t Be Tamed, where she embraced a more daring look and sound. That evolution accelerated with her 2013 album Bangerz, which included provocative performances, risqué outfits, and a rebellious tone that shocked audiences.
While some fans applauded her for taking creative control and breaking stereotypes, others saw her actions as too extreme. This backlash, which Cyrus now calls an early form of “cancel culture,” followed her for years.
The Feeling of Being “Canceled”
In a recent interview preview, Cyrus reflected on that period, describing the criticism she received as “brutal.” She explained:
“I was the first person to maybe ever be canceled, I guess. I didn’t know until I was older how brutal it really was.”
Interestingly, while public perception painted her as reckless, Cyrus revealed she was genuinely enjoying herself during those years. The world may have been scandalized, but for her, the freedom to experiment and live authentically outweighed the negativity.
She added:
“It was very challenging for other people, but for me, it was a good time. It looked fun and it was fun.”
A New Perspective with Age
Now in her 30s, Miley Cyrus has had time to reflect on those tumultuous years. With maturity and distance, she recognizes the harshness of how she was judged—especially given her age at the time.
“I would never now, being where I am, ever look at anyone in their 20s from the view of who I am now. But at the time, it was awesome.”
She acknowledged that the criticism she faced wasn’t just about her—it represented society’s struggle with young women asserting independence. Cyrus compared her experiences to other celebrities who endured public takedowns, such as Britney Spears, Ashlee Simpson, and even actors like Anne Hathaway who struggled after becoming targets of online scrutiny.
Defending Her Past Choices
Cyrus has also spoken candidly about why she made the choices that shocked fans. In a 2023 interview with British Vogue, she admitted that her provocative image was a deliberate attempt to separate herself from the Hannah Montana character.
“I was creating attention for myself because I was dividing myself from a character I had played. Anyone, when you’re 20 or 21, you have more to prove. ‘I’m not my parents.’ ‘I am who I am.’”
However, she also confessed that she carried guilt and shame for years over the controversy she sparked. Now, with greater self-awareness, she realizes the intensity of the judgment she faced as a young woman.
The Personal Cost of Controversy
In a more vulnerable moment, Cyrus revealed that the backlash affected not just her public reputation, but also her personal life and relationships. During a conversation on Monica Lewinsky’s Reclaiming podcast, she explained how the negativity spilled into her family life:
“I lost everything during that time in my personal life because of the choices I was making professionally. The criticism hit so hard that I was embarrassed.”
She recalled her brother opening up about the difficulty of being associated with her during those years.
“I remember my brother at one point saying, ‘I don’t judge you, but you could understand how hard it is for me to go to school, and you be my sister.’”
This reflection shows that the effects of fame go far beyond the spotlight. For Cyrus, it meant navigating a delicate balance between pursuing her artistic freedom and protecting her loved ones.
A Career That Endures
Despite the backlash, Miley Cyrus has proven to be one of the most resilient artists in the industry. Her evolution has been marked not just by controversy, but also by triumphs.
Her 2023 single “Flowers” became a global hit and earned her a Grammy Award, cementing her reputation as a powerful and versatile performer. Each reinvention—whether edgy, experimental, or deeply personal—has showcased her willingness to take risks.
Cyrus’s journey reflects the growing pains of fame and the double standards faced by young women in the spotlight. But it also highlights her ability to endure, adapt, and ultimately thrive.
Final Thoughts
Miley Cyrus’s reflections on being “canceled” long before the term became a part of everyday culture shed light on the pressures of growing up in public. While she faced criticism and judgment, she also gained strength and wisdom from those experiences. Today, she looks back with both humility and pride, recognizing how far she has come since her Disney days.
Her story is a reminder that reinvention often comes at a cost—but for Cyrus, it has also been the path to authenticity and lasting success.