In a wide-ranging interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, pop icon Miley Cyrus reflects on the transformation of her relationship with fans and how her identity has shifted since her Hannah Montana days.
“That’s a change for my audience,” the 32-year-old said of moving away from her Disney Channel persona. “They don’t have this direct access the way that you would’ve had every night on your TV. Because when you were little, you would watch episodes of Hannah Montana and you would hear me all day if you wanted to listen to my music.”
Cyrus said that back then, she was “a friend to the world,” and now, as media has evolved, so has her public presence. “There was something accessible because I was on TV and I was touring,” she said. “It was a different time in media, too.”
Why She Nearly Skipped the Grammys
Cyrus also opened up about almost skipping the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she took home her first Grammy for her hit song “Flowers.”
“Every time I’ve lost or not been nominated, the way I’ve been OK with that is by saying ‘that doesn’t matter to me,’” she told Lowe. “I was avoiding the fact that it did matter to me somewhere… but receiving that Grammy for ‘Flowers’ felt more like a band-aid on a broken heart.”
The win marked a pivotal moment in her creative journey. “You’re allowed to love your hits,” she said. “‘Flowers’ is my favorite song in my discography. When you love a song that other people love, it’s like the most magical, close-to-God feeling. After I felt that validation that somewhere inside me needed to feel, I really felt free to create the album I’ve been craving my whole adult career.”
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The Pop Star Blueprint
Cyrus also had strong words in defense of pop music, praising it as the heart of cultural relevance.
“Anyone that I’ve spoken to that’s stayed relevant for 50 years in their career, like Stevie Nicks or Elton John, keeps up with culture and what’s relevant,” she said. “Stevie would tell me, even 10 years ago, that she was just listening to new music—even before it comes out. Pop stars stay in the know. Legends keep up and listen to pop music.”
She continued, “There’s this weird idea that pop is shallow or not serious, but staying culturally aware is an art form in itself. To keep evolving, you have to stay connected.”
Miley Cyrus defending pop music in new Zane Lowe interview. https://t.co/jXbJQ4gWjU
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 21, 2025
High Praise for Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan
When it comes to new artists making waves, Cyrus had glowing words for two breakout stars: Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan.
“I can’t believe how Chappell Roan sounds live,” Cyrus said, visibly impressed. “There’s a lot of pressure around live performances, and she killed it at the Grammys.”
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As for Sabrina Carpenter, Cyrus said she “blew my mind at SNL 50.” She applauded both artists for their talent and composure under pressure. “I know the courage it takes to do what they’re doing at the level they’re doing it,” she added.
Miley Cyrus praises Chappell Roan & Sabrina Carpenter in new Zane Lowe interview. https://t.co/bQ8Uo2UzLO
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 21, 2025
Finding Peace in Sobriety
Another key topic in the interview was sobriety, which Cyrus says has changed her life.
“That’s my god,” she said. “I need it. I live for it. It’s changed my entire life.”
This personal transformation has played a big role in how she approaches her work and relationships with fans. Cyrus noted that being sober has brought her clarity and creativity, helping her focus on her art with deeper purpose.
Still Grateful for Hannah Montana
Though Cyrus is far from her days on Disney Channel, she continues to speak fondly of the show that launched her career.
“I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana,” she said at the 2024 Disney Legends Awards. “This award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing, loyal fans and to everyone who has made my dream a reality.”
Quoting her famous character, she smiled and added: “To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.’”
What’s Next for Miley
Miley Cyrus is entering a new creative chapter with her next project on the horizon and her confidence fully intact. Her full interview with Zane Lowe airs May 21 at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT on Apple Music 1, where she dives even deeper into her creative process, music industry insights, and what it really takes to thrive in the spotlight.
