Miley Cyrus, the acclaimed singer, has chosen a unique path to connect with her fans after announcing a break from touring. Coinciding with the release of her latest single, “Used to Be Young,” Cyrus has launched a series of candid TikTok videos as part of her Endless Summer Vacation: Continued (Backyard Sessions) project. In these videos, she openly discusses both controversial and pivotal moments from her life and career.
Cyrus has described her new song as an anthem of self-acceptance and reflection, highlighting her journey from a young girl in the spotlight, particularly during her days as Hannah Montana, to the accomplished 30-year-old singer-songwriter and artist she is today, following her divorce from Liam Hemsworth. In these TikTok videos, which she releases periodically, she delves into untold stories from her first three decades of life, addressing past controversies, her house fire, and her divorce, all with the perspective gained through extensive therapy.
Working Through Personal Trauma
Cyrus, seen in these videos wearing a black dress against a simple gray-green backdrop, reflects on how she had to persevere through some of the most turbulent periods of her life. She underscores that these experiences prompted her to reassess her priorities.
For instance, she recounts a moment during her work on “Hannah” when she learned of her grandfather’s passing, yet continued filming without immediately addressing her grief. Similarly, when her Malibu home, shared with Hemsworth, was destroyed in the 2018 Woolsey Fire, she completed her day’s work on the set of “Black Mirror” in South Africa before dealing with the fire’s aftermath. Even during her performance at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2019, she had already decided to end her marriage to Hemsworth, yet she went ahead with the show.
Cyrus acknowledges that throughout her life, work and performance often took precedence during challenging times. However, she now places a greater emphasis on prioritizing her well-being.
“Used to Be Young” Series Highlights
In her videos, Cyrus also addresses her separation from Hemsworth, emphasizing that the decision was rooted in love and a decade-long relationship, but also acknowledging the trauma they experienced while rebuilding their home. She reflects on realizing that their marriage was no longer viable for her.
Connecting with Fans from a Comfortable Space
Cyrus released her eighth studio album, “Endless Summer Vacation,” earlier this year, but she made the decision not to tour, citing health concerns. She expressed her reluctance to continue the routine of getting ready in locker rooms and sleeping on moving buses. Cyrus, who has likened her life to “The Truman Show,” revealed that performing onstage, where she felt like an object of observation, had begun to dehumanize her.
She stressed that she now feels a stronger connection with her fans through social media, including her Instagram show “Bright Minded,” which she launched during the pandemic. While she appreciates her fans more than ever, the demands of a life on the road are not suitable for her at this stage.
In preparation for the release of “Used to Be Young” on August 25, Cyrus recorded her own personal stories, some of which were included in her revamped “Endless Summer Vacation: Continued (Backyard Sessions)” special that aired on August 24. The TikTok series offers bite-sized insights into her life, providing an intimate and authentic look at her experiences. It’s a departure from her stage performances but allows her to share more candidly with her audience, all from the comfort of her own space.
