Miley Cyrus Eyes a New Chapter: “Something Beautiful” Could Mark a Turning Point in Her Career
Miley Cyrus has never been one to follow the rules — and now, she’s preparing to rewrite them once again. In a candid conversation with The New York Times, the Grammy-winning singer opened up about a major shift in how she views her music career and the path she plans to take moving forward.
“I think it’s winding down, my attachment to mainstream success,” Cyrus shared during a nearly hour-long video interview, published on Saturday, May 31. The pop icon, who recently released her ninth studio album Something Beautiful, hinted that her latest project may be the last she approaches in this traditional way. “It’s definitely not a ‘last lap,’” she clarified. “But I think it’s potentially the last time I’ll do it exactly this way.”
The statement marks a significant turning point for the artist, whose career has evolved over two decades — from child star to cultural rebel, and now into a more reflective, self-aware performer. With Something Beautiful, Miley is pouring her heart into the music, but also reevaluating the kind of pressure she’s willing to carry.
“I’m taking a big bet on this one,” she admitted. “I’m all in. But I don’t think I’ll put myself in a position that I add this much pressure to myself again.”
A Year of Creative Transformation
Cyrus revealed that 2024 is all about reimagining what success looks like for her. “There’s a song on the album called ‘Reborn,’ and it’s kind of about this,” she said. “I feel like next year for me is gonna be kind of this rebirth of how I do things and how I look at my career.”
This isn’t about a complete retreat from music or performing — far from it. It’s about reclaiming control, setting boundaries, and finding balance. “A lot of things are going to change about that for me,” she explained. “Towards the end [of this year] and the beginning of next year. That’s really kind of my focus — using this year to wind that idea I’ve had of myself down.”
Fans have seen glimpses of this evolution already. Cyrus held an intimate album release concert at the famed Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, hosted by TikTok, rather than launching a massive arena tour. She also plans to release a visual companion to Something Beautiful — a one-night-only film event in U.S. and Canadian theaters on June 12, with international screenings to follow on June 27.
Letting Go of the Spotlight — But Not the Art
Cyrus isn’t rejecting pop stardom entirely — instead, she’s redefining her relationship with it. “I don’t feel part of the cohort of singers of my generation and age group,” she said when asked about her standing among today’s chart-toppers. While she respects her peers, she’s also aware that she’s carved a very different path.
“It’s not so much of a conscious choice,” she explained. “I think for me, my persona — the public’s idea of me — is ‘on,’ in some way. But in my own time, I’m very off. I like no makeup, my hair up messy. I don’t even look in the mirror in my own time.”
That duality isn’t just personality-driven — it’s also deeply rooted in her upbringing. As she reflected during the interview, being cast as Hannah Montana at such a young age may have wired her to live two lives: one as a performer, one as a person.
“Maybe it’s something subconsciously from the show,” she said. “Like from Hannah Montana, where I think my famous person has one life, and then as a regular person I have another life. It programmed me — not even joking — to think who I am at home and who I am as a performer are kind of like two separate identities. And actually, they are.”
A Candid Look at Family, Fame & the Next Generation
The New York Times conversation wasn’t just about her album — Cyrus also spoke frankly about personal matters, including her relationships with parents Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus, her thoughts on therapy, and whether she envisions having children herself.
She also opened up about her place in pop culture, reflecting on her rapport with fellow female artists. When interviewer Lulu Garcia-Navarro suggested that the relationships between women in pop are often “fraught,” Cyrus responded with a laugh: “Divas.”
“I don’t mind the word diva. Maybe I’m a little diva,” she added playfully. “It’s kind of cool. It’s a fantasy. You don’t have to be famous to be a diva — just be a diva. Diva does not mean difficult for no reason.”
But when asked if she herself is difficult, Cyrus didn’t dodge: “I’m difficult, but not for no reason.”
As for the new wave of pop stars, Cyrus made it clear she has admiration — and concern — for the ones coming up behind her. She mentioned Sabrina Carpenter by name, noting her non-stop touring schedule. “Every time I see her I have the urge to ask her if she’s OK,” Cyrus said. “I know what it feels like to fry yourself, and I don’t want anyone else to get fried.”
Still, she praised the younger generation for their confidence and individuality. “I like all the new girls. I think they’re all unique and are very found,” she said warmly.
A Grammy Win & a Shift in Perspective
Earlier this year, Cyrus picked up her first Grammy — a long-overdue recognition for the massive success of “Flowers,” her 2023 empowerment anthem. For Miley, the win wasn’t just a trophy — it was a moment of validation and closure.
With Something Beautiful, she’s taking that energy and turning it inward. This isn’t about chasing chart positions or radio spins. It’s about expressing something real, something lasting — and doing it on her own terms.
“I’m not quitting. I’m not disappearing,” Cyrus seemed to be saying between the lines. “But I’m changing. And I’m ready for what’s next.”