Top 10 Best Miley Cyrus Live Performances
#10: “We Can't Stop" & "Blurred Lines" with Robin Thicke “30th MTV Video Music Awards” (2013)
You know we just have to start with this one, right? Everyone was talking about it back in the day! The VMAs performance with Robin Thicke marked Miley as the newest Hollywood wild child. Twerking, grinding, provocative attire, and plenty of WTF moments - this performance had it all. At the time, Miley said she was out to make history, and made it very clear that her “Hannah Montana” days were over. After that performance, all eyes were on her. She would go on to use her huge platform to advocate for social issues near and dear to her heart. It was a true career-defining moment.
#9: The "DOOO IT" Performance “32nd MTV Video Music Awards” (2015)
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In 2015, Miley took the stage at the VMAs once more but this time, it was with a creative twist. The rebellious spirit was still there but it had a lot more meaning to it this time around. This performance had glitter, rainbows, and animal costumes, but also trans activists, burlesque dancers, and drag queens. It was all about just being yourself no matter who you are. Even her lyrics were more meaningful as she highlighted a message against violence. Sure, she did it in her own provocative and unapologetic style, but that’s exactly what we love about Miley.
#8: “The Climb” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (2014-)
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“The Climb” is one of those iconic Miley songs from her “Hannah Montana” era that we just can’t get enough of. But Miley unfortunately stopped performing it for quite some time. In fact, her 2017 Jimmy Fallon performance was the first time she sang the song in six years. The touching moment was a tribute to the victims of the 2017 tragedy in Las Vegas. Miley stated that she wanted to use the moment to encourage unity, peace and hopefulness. “The Climb” was a touching way to send out an important message of much-needed hope during a time of national grief.
#7: "Ready, Set, Don't Go" with Billy Ray Cyrus “42nd Country Music Association Awards” (2008)
Speaking of “Hannah Montana” vibes… “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” was written by Billy Ray for his daughter back when she first decided she wanted to pursue acting. The performance was a touching moment for the Cyrus family as well as the fans who have been there from the very beginning. Both Billy Ray and Miley really sang their hearts out and truly brought the lyrics to life. The Cyrus family went through a lot of ups and downs over the years. But this is one of those performances that reminds us that their bond can’t be broken no matter what.
#6: “Don't Dream It's Over” with Ariana Grande “One Love Manchester” (2017)
This performance was another touching tribute, this time to the lives lost in the 2017 Manchester Arena attacks. Miley joined Ariana Grande on stage, singing “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House. Unlike many of her other performances, this one wasn’t about putting on a flashy show. It was just about the vocals and paying respect. The crowd joined in and sang their hearts out - it was truly a magical moment. Crowded House singer Neil Finn was just as impressed as we were and thanked the pair for deciding to perform his song.
#5: First Performance of "Party in the U.S.A." “10th Annual Teen Choice Awards” (2009)
Let’s face it, Miley Cyrus wouldn’t be Miley Cyrus without “Party in the USA.” It’s one of those era-defining songs that just never gets old. When Miley performed the song at the Teen Choice Awards she definitely made an impression. She didn’t hop out of a plane, but she did hop out of a trailer, and then stepped onto a moving ice cream cart with a pole on top. Interpreted by some as a dance pole, it definitely stirred some controversy. But all in all, it was a memorable performance that showed her amazing stage presence without the over-the-top shock value. It’s just Miley having fun with her crew!
#4: Her Cover of "Zombie" by The Cranberries “Save Our Stages Fest” (2020)
Miley’s performances of her own songs are amazing, but when she performs covers, it can really show off her powerful voice. This moment had many layers of meaning - it was performed at LA’s Whisky a Go Go venue, where some of the most memorable bands took the stage in their early days. Her “Zombie” cover was dedicated to the venue itself as well as one of the most influential groups of 90s Irish rock. And she did it justice - the surviving members of The Cranberries praised her for the cover and said their late singer would be just as impressed.
#3: “Wrecking Ball” & Rock Covers Glastonbury Festival 2019
Performing at Glastonbury is an important career moment for any artist. So, when Miley took the stage at the festival in 2019, she brought her A game with her. NME called it a reinvention - Miley was becoming a rockstar. Of course, this is nothing new - even Hannah Montana was singing about being a rockstar in the old days. But Miley’s Glastonbury performance had audiences rocking out with her harder than ever. She sang some of her own hits, such as “Wrecking Ball”. But she also added some classic rock songs, including Led Zeppelin's “Black Dog” and Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”. And the crowd loved it. Rock on Miley!
#2: "Wrecking Ball" “Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
She came in like a wrecking ball and she totally killed it! MTV called it a “sincere and straightforward performance” and they were right. The 2013 Miley may have been full of controversial stage moments, but she left those at home and brought nothing but vocals to Saturday Night Live. Her outfit was on point, but it didn’t take away the focus from her beautiful voice, which was able to hit all the high notes without any difficulties. This is an absolute classic Miley moment and an important reminder that she doesn’t need a flashy performance to show off. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. "Tiny Dancer" with Elton John at the “60th Annual Grammy Awards” (2018) "Forgiveness and Love" at the “38th Annual American Music Awards” (2010) “Adore You” at Z100’s Jingle Ball 2013 “Rebel Yell” with Billy Idol at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival
#1: "Heart of Glass" 2020 iHeartRadio Music Festival
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2020 was a challenging year, but this “Heart of Glass” performance made it just a little bit better. Although the iHeartRadio Music Festival had to be streamed online without a live crowd, it didn’t stop Miley from having a show-stopping performance. Her rendition of the popular Blondie hit brought down the virtual house. Even Debbie Harry, Blondie’s lead singer, said Miley made the song “uniquely hers.” She said she’s really glad Miley decided to cover their song and honestly, so are we. It’s one of those moments that made 2020 a lot more bearable.
