Miley Cyrus is shedding light on one of her most talked-about performances, revealing that a significant influence in her life was behind the controversial moment. During a candid conversation with her sister, Brandi Cyrus, for Spotify’s *Billions Club* series, the 32-year-old singer reminisced about her iconic performance of “Party in the U.S.A.” at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards, where she famously danced on stage with a pole attached to an ice cream cart.
“This is going to be no surprise to you. Do you know whose idea that was?” Miley asked Brandi, 37, who quickly guessed their mother, Tish Cyrus. Miley confirmed this with a laugh, saying, “Yup, that was my mom’s idea. So she always lets me take the blame.” She humorously added, “When I got in trouble the next day, you know who was nowhere to be found? Tish Cyrus.”
Despite the backlash from critics regarding her performance, Miley reflected on it fondly for a different reason than most might expect. “The thing that I remember most about that performance was it was the first time I ever wore real diamond jewelry on stage,” she shared. With a playful grin directed at the camera, she quipped, “So you guys remember a little old ice cream truck; I remember the diamonds.”
In a TikTok video released last year as part of her “Used to Be Young” series, Cyrus further elaborated on the inspiration behind her performance. She explained that her mother suggested creating a scene reminiscent of their roots by having her perform in a trailer park setting. “My mom was like, ‘I think it’d be really cool if she was in the trailer park; that’s where we really do come from,’” Miley recalled.
She also clarified the purpose of the pole during her performance, stating, “Apparently me dancing on an ice cream cart with a stripper pole— but it wasn’t a stripper pole; it was actually just for stability.” The pop star defended her choice of props by adding humorously, “I had a heel on! Like what did you want from me? Was I really gonna do my performance without dancing on top of an ice cream cart?”
The 2009 Teen Choice Awards marked a pivotal moment for Miley as she transitioned from her Disney roots into a more mature pop star image. While some may have criticized her for the provocative nature of the performance, it undeniably showcased her willingness to push boundaries and embrace creativity.
As Miley continues to evolve as an artist and individual, she often reflects on those early moments that shaped her career. The blend of nostalgia and humor in her recounting of this particular performance highlights not only her growth but also her ability to find joy even in moments that sparked controversy.
The conversation between Miley and Brandi also serves as a reminder of the close bond they share as sisters navigating the complexities of fame together. With Tish’s influence evident in Miley’s artistic choices, it’s clear that family plays an integral role in shaping who she is today.
As Miley prepares for future projects and performances, fans can expect more candid insights into her life and career. Whether through music or personal anecdotes shared in interviews and social media, she continues to connect with audiences by embracing authenticity and vulnerability.
With each revelation about her past performances and inspirations, Miley Cyrus remains a captivating figure in pop culture—one who isn’t afraid to laugh at herself while celebrating her journey from a young Disney star to an empowered artist making waves in the music industry.
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