Written by: Caroline Bugg
One of our favorite Nashville ladies that we are so excited to feature this week is Miley Cyrus - or as we know her - the queen of classic rock covers. This past month, Miley held a free Pride concert in Nashville, which we are so excited to tell you all about! First, we want to take a trip down memory lane to remember the many musical ventures Miley has explored in order to celebrate her! 💖
Miley got her start in the music business back in 2006 when she was cast as the lead in the Disney Channel show, Hannah Montana. This show sent her straight into stardom, and because her character was a pop-star, Miley released several songs and albums and toured as Hannah Montana.
Notably, songs like “The Best of Both Worlds” and “Nobody’s Perfect” helped Miley Cyrus gain popularity as an up-and-coming singer in the U.S. 🎤
Miley’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus, is also a singer in the country genre and is well known for his hit single “Achy Breaky Heart.” With many of her family members being entertainers, like her sister Noah Cyrus and brother Trace Cyrus, Miley has been surrounded by music since she was born.
Over the years, Miley has tested out and tried to find her fit in many genres. From pop music with Hannah Montana, hip hop music with her album Bangerz (her first album to be released after Hannah Montana ended), country-pop music with her album Younger Now, and most recently, glam-rock with her album Plastic Hearts. ⚡️
Miley’s newfound rock era has been wildly popular, with her cover of Blondie's “Heart of Glass” going extremely viral on TikTok. Miley’s lead single from Plastic Hearts, “Midnight Sky,” is a new take on rock legend, Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen.”
Stevie even recorded vocals for a new edition of this song, “Edge of Midnight.” With other features on the album including Billy Idol and Joan Jett, this era has proved extremely fruitful for the multi-talented artist! 🖤
Last month on June 3rd, Miley Cyrus announced that she’d be hosting a free concert in Nashville, TN for vaccinated fans in honor of Pride Month! Fans had just a few days to request tickets and hope for the best. Then, on June 8th, the “Stand By You” Pride Special went live at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nash! This concert was full of everything Miley loves - rainbows, glitter, glam, drag queens, and of course, music! ✨
Miley sang her own songs, like “We Can’t Stop” from Bangerz, but she also included many famous rock and pop covers that helped celebrate Pride! Maren Morris joined her on stage to sing “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, and we are in LOVE with that performance! With other guest performers including Brothers Osbourne and Little Big Town, it was a huge night for Music City!
Miley also sang “Believe” by Cher, saying, “IS IT EVEN A PRIDE SPECIAL IF YOU DON’T PLAY CHER?! THE ANSWER IS NO!” She’s definitely right about that! 😍
Fans had an amazing time at the concert with many describing it as a night to remember. Emily Gartz, a member of the LGBTQ+ community and college student here in Nashville, had a particularly great experience at the show. When thinking back on the show, she said,
“It was really cool to be at a show where I automatically felt so safe and welcome. All
of the long lines and wait times were so worth it, too, especially after the past year of
not seeing live music. I loved getting to see Miley for the first time, while also seeing a
bunch of other country artists that you wouldn’t necessarily expect to see at a pride
show. It shows a lot of growth in the Nashville music scene, I think.”
We are so happy that fans of Miley, and the Nashville music scene in general, loved Miley’s performance and what it represented! She spread messages of love and acceptance, included members of the LGBTQ+ community in the performances, and created a colorful, welcoming atmosphere.
Miley’s Pride Special was a beautiful tribute to the LBGTQ+ community, which she herself is a part of. ❤️
Alli Hoffer (right), a Belmont University graduate who went to the show with her girlfriend, Emily Gartz (left), also thought the show was a great celebration of being yourself. Alli said,
"I just came out within the past year, so it felt really special and full circle to have my first show back be one that celebrates who I am. I’ve loved Miley since I was a kid, so it’s been so cool to see her grow up alongside us and become an advocate for causes that are so close to me. I felt emotional the whole night - the experience was overall full of joy and authenticity!”
In an Instagram post about the concert, Miley wrote,
“There are laws endangering the lgbtq+ community all around the country and even here in my home state - We can’t stop and we won’t stop doing everything in our power to create the changes we want to see not just here but AROUND THE WORLD! You’ve gotta start somewhere! So I’ve begun in Nashville, TN.” 🌈
We couldn’t have said it any better ourselves. Check out Miley’s Pride Special, “Stand By You” on Peacock, streaming now! 🎉
If you or someone you know is an LGBTQ+ member and needs support, please call the Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386.
If you want to get more involved in fan communities,
join a Fan Crew or our awesome weekly newsletter!