Arriving at the BBC Live Lounge in 2013 with her newly cut blonde pixie-cut, Miley Cyrus was coming off the back of a big year with the release of her album ‘Bangerz’ and the success of her single ‘Wrecking Ball.’ The year had been a redefining moment for Miley, as she changed her sound and moved into the world of mainstream pop. Her appearance in the Live Lounge saw her take on a cover of a song by another artist who was taking the world by storm that year – Lana Del Rey.
When Music Man readers hear Miley’s take on Lana’s song ‘Summertime Sadness’, they will be amazed by the power of her vocals. This was a controversial era for Miley as she changed up her sound, but anyone who saw this performance would agree that her vocal talent remained undeniable. As one viewer put it, “I feel like too many people forget that Miley is actually a really talented singer.” Luckily, many people have been given a reminder, as the cover now has over 73M views.
Watching Miley’s Live Lounge cover was, for me, like discovering a time capsule. I have strong memories of Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey’s music being everywhere during this time. It was enjoyable to see the two artists becoming linked with this cover, as well as taking a look back to appreciate the talent that carried both artists to success. With Miley now having proven her abilities in different genres and styles, it feels good to remember that her talent has shone in every era of her career.
When Miley appeared in the Live Lounge once again in 2020, she proved her ability to switch up her style once again while still showcasing the strength of her vocal talent. Performing her latest single ‘Midnight Sky,’ Miley channeled ‘80s pop-rock icons like Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett, and Debbie Harry, infusing her voice with a rock-style rasp. While bringing an entirely new edge to her performance, her rock sound was also supported by the power that has always underpinned her voice.
Over the years, Miley Cyrus has had many distinct eras that are sure to stand out in the minds of our Music Man readers – from her early Disney days, to the Bangerz era, to her rock-infused Plastic Hearts album. Returning to her Live Lounge performances is the perfect reminder that, no matter where Miley has been in her journey, her vocal talent has shone above all else.
Miley Cyrus’s spellbinding rendition of Lana Del Rey’s ‘Summertime Sadness’ in the BBC Live Lounge is a testament to her enduring vocal prowess and versatility. This moment reminds us of her 2013 transformative journey into pop superstardom. For those eager to revisit this iconic performance and dive deeper into Miley’s remarkable career evolution, check out the links below.