Miley Cyrus fires back at 'clickbait' criticism of her recent concert in wild onstage rant after fans slammed her 'lackluster' performance
Published October 19, 2026 · US

Miley Cyrus lashed out at her critics while performing her second sold-out show at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday.
Miley Cyrus faced a wave of criticism following her recent performances at the Hollywood Bowl, prompting the singer to address her detractors directly during her second sold-out show. The 33-year-old artist encountered backlash after her initial concert, with fans expressing disappointment over what they perceived as a lack of enthusiasm and engagement on stage.
The controversy centered around Cyrus’ performance style, particularly her frequent decision to invite the audience to sing along rather than leading every chorus herself. This approach sparked debate on social media about her energy and commitment during the show. In response, Cyrus candidly shared her emotional state and frustrations during the subsequent concert, revealing that she had contemplated avoiding the stage altogether due to the negative feedback.
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During the Sunday performance, Cyrus conveyed a rare glimpse into her mindset, acknowledging the challenges she faces when performing live. She explained that, unlike earlier in her career, being on stage no longer feels as natural, citing personal growth and changes as factors influencing her current artistic expression. Despite the criticism, she emphasized her intention to remain fully engaged with the audience and the music.
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Her candid moments included a pointed remark during the song "Bass Persuades," where she expressed irritation over expectations that she sing every chorus live. Additionally, she addressed rumors about her physical stage presence, attributing the absence of high-energy antics to the demands of delivering live vocals.
Critics and fans alike have offered mixed reactions to the shows. Influencers who attended the concerts voiced their dissatisfaction, with some expressing sadness over the perceived lack of passion compared to earlier eras of Cyrus’ career. A pop music critic who traveled from New York to attend noted a sense of detachment during the performance of mainstream hits but praised Cyrus’ vocal delivery and enthusiasm during deeper album tracks.
Cyrus has openly discussed her complex relationship with touring and live shows in the past. She has described the experience of performing to large crowds as lacking personal connection and has shared that she does not particularly enjoy the touring lifestyle. Vocal health concerns have also played a significant role in her recent career decisions; she has been diagnosed with Reinke’s edema and a sizeable vocal cord polyp, conditions that have hindered her ability to tour extensively.

The context of these performances coincides with the release of Cyrus’ album "Bass Persuades," her first under Atlantic Records after departing from Columbia Records. Despite an initially strong debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the album experienced an unprecedented drop in chart position in the following weeks, marking a historic decline for a female artist.
In addition to the public criticisms and health challenges, Cyrus has expressed a desire to step away from the traditional touring routine, including sleeping on moving tour buses. This sentiment reflects a broader shift in her approach to her career and personal well-being.
While details about future tour plans remain limited, Cyrus’ recent performances and statements illustrate an artist navigating the complexities of evolving personal priorities, health issues, and public expectations in a highly scrutinized industry. Her willingness to confront criticism head-on and reveal vulnerabilities offers insight into the pressures faced by contemporary performers balancing artistic integrity with fan demands.
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