After more than two decades in the music industry as Miley Cyrus, the Grammy-winning artist has officially dropped her famous surname. Her Instagram handle changed from @mileycyrus to @miley, and the family name has similarly vanished from her official website and broader social media footprint. The rebrand arrives just ahead of her tenth studio album, Bass Persuades, which is slated for release on September 18 via Atlantic Records.
The Single-Name Rebrand and Upcoming Album Bass Persuades
Miley Cyrus announced Sept. 1 that her new album is titled “Bass Persuades” and will release on September 18 via Atlantic Records. The tracklist for the album includes 10 songs, plus features from Model/Actriz and Miike Snow’s Andrew Wyatt. For a star born Destiny Hope Cyrus in 1992—who was nicknamed “Smiley” as a child because of her cheerful personality, which was eventually shortened to Miley, and in 2008 she legally changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus—the shift marks a definitive full-circle moment.
Shedding a surname places the singer alongside iconic, single-name performers such as Cher, Madonna, and Beyoncé. Cyrus will promote the album with a rare return to the stage courtesy of a two-night stint at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Oct. 16 and 18. I’ve sat in those seats many times, but I’ve never taken the stage. L.A. is my heart and I’m bringing it home,
she wrote this week on Instagram.
Billy Ray Cyrus Defends the Change Amid Past Estrangement
The name change immediately fueled speculation regarding potential tensions between the pop star and her father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, with headlines such as The Daily Beast headline: Pop Star Rebukes Dad With Plan to Change Her Famous Name.
However, Billy Ray quickly dismissed those rumors on social media, clarifying that Miley had notified him in advance and that he fully supports the career evolution.
Family means more than ever now. I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley. Just like I always called my little boy Braison. Bet you didn’t know … I was just CYRUS before Achy Breaky Heart came out in 92…. I told Miley yesterday I felt good about her going with her first name. I mentioned Dolly and Cher. Thinking' about it more and more … Elvis .. Prince … and so on. It’s a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend. And the legend continues ! Looking forward to the new album.
Billy Ray Cyrus, Country Singer
The public show of support highlights a repaired bond following a period of estrangement after Billy Ray’s divorce from Miley’s mother, Tish Cyrus. The father and daughter had experienced a period of estrangement following Billy Ray’s divorce from Miley’s mother, Tish Cyrus, but have since repaired their relationship. Earlier this year, the duo reunited on the “Hannah Montana” 20th anniversary special. Miley told People at the time that music is how the two have always stayed bonded, even amid family hardships, stating, It’s really the way we communicate. Whether it’s sending a song we wrote in a text or writing a poem that says how we feel in a way that’s authentic to us, it’s always been the way we share our feelings.
Additionally, Billy Ray Cyrus turned 65 on the day of country music icon Dolly Parton’s death.
Personal Milestones and an Emotional Metamorphosis
Both Cyruses have publicly expressed how keenly they are feeling the loss of Parton, who died last week. Around the time Miley was born, Billy Ray Cyrus introduced his young daughter to country music icon Dolly Parton, whom he befriended while performing as her opening act on tour, and asked Parton to play the role of godmother to Miley.
With a new record label, a streamlined name, and a stint at the Hollywood Bowl approaching, the pop icon’s latest era bridges her childhood roots with a commanding, independent artistic identity.
