Miley Cyrus Hits Back at Hollywood Bowl Critics
Key Takeaway: Following online backlash over her first comeback show in four years, Miley Cyrus addressed her critics directly during her Sunday night performance at the Hollywood Bowl.
Miley Cyrus addressed online criticism during her second concert at the Hollywood Bowl, defending her live performance after facing backlash regarding her Friday night comeback show.
The backlash and the response
Following her first live performance in four years on Friday, the artist faced online criticism. The Independent and the Hollywood Reporter report that social media users complained she skipped lyrics of older hits, allowing the backing track and crowd to carry them.
Billboard reported that Cyrus dismissed the commentary as clickbait. During her Sunday performance, she opened with the ballad ‘Orbit’ after nearly cancelling the show, according to the Independent and Billboard.
This is not an experiment of you. This is an experience for me.
Miley Cyrus, on stage at the Hollywood Bowl
Stage presence and setlist
The Hollywood Reporter noted that Cyrus explained she was not doing cartwheels because she had to sing live, while the Independent and the Hollywood Reporter stated that performing no longer comes as naturally as it once did. During her latest single ‘Bass Persuades’, she mocked the criticism by saying, according to the Independent: “Oh, I forgot I’m supposed to sing every f***ing word!”
According to Billboard, she also stated: “I’ve never heard that I don’t put my heart into something”. Additionally, the Hollywood Reporter noted that she paid a tearful tribute to her late godmother Dolly Parton before performing ‘Jolene’.
✓ Verified
Miley Cyrus, 33, performed two sold-out comeback concerts at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday and Sunday (the Independent; the Hollywood Reporter). The concerts promoted her tenth studio album, Bass Persuades, released in September (Rolling Stone). She has no further live shows scheduled, with the two Bowl events the only live appearances planned (Billboard). Online commentary criticised her for skipping lyrics of older hits during the Friday show; Cyrus called the commentary clickbait (all four outlets).
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the shows?
Two sold-out Bass Persuades Live at Hollywood Bowl comeback concerts held on Friday and Sunday.
What was the criticism?
Commentators noted that she skipped lyrics of older hits, letting the crowd and backing track carry them.
What did she say in response?
She called the commentary clickbait and insisted she was fully present and committed to her performance.
Is she going on a tour?
No, the two Bowl shows are the only live events planned, and no further tour dates are scheduled.
- The Independent: Miley Cyrus claps back at criticism of her Hollywood Bowl performance
- The Hollywood Reporter: Miley Cyrus Addresses Criticism Over Hollywood Bowl Concert
- Rolling Stone: Miley Cyrus Responds to Criticism of Hollywood Bowl Show
- Billboard: Miley Cyrus Responds to Criticism of First Hollywood Bowl Show
Editor’s note: The Friday-night criticism arrived via social media clips and commentary; the article reports on Cyrus’s on-stage response as covered by the outlets above.
