Miley Ray Cyrus[1] (born Destiny Hope Cyrus on November 23, 1992)[2][3] is a Golden Globe[4] and Critic's Choice Award[5] nominated American singer, and actress. Cyrus is better known for starring as Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana in the television series Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel.
Cyrus became a sensation after Hannah Montana debuted in March 2006. Following the success of the show, in October 2006, a soundtrack CD was released in which she sang eight songs from the show. Cyrus's solo music career began with the release of her debut album, Meet Miley Cyrus on June 23, 2007. Her second album, Breakout was released on July 22, 2008. Breakout is Cyrus's first album that does not involve the Hannah Montana franchise. Both albums debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200.[6] In 2008 she released her Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert film which had the highest-grossing opening weekend for a film to be released under 1000 theatres.[7] She also released Bolt in 2008, and recorded "I Thought I Lost You" for the soundtrack for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination. Also, she has completed filming on the movie spin-off of Hannah Montana, titled Hannah Montana: The Movie which set to release on April 10, 2009. In addition, she has recorded the main single for the movie soundtrack "The Climb".[8][9][10]
In 2008, Cyrus was listed among artists and entertainers as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in The World.[11] Forbes magazine ranked her #35 on "The Celebrity 100" list with earnings of over US$25 million in 2008.
Early life
Cyrus was born in Nashville, Tennessee.[13] She is the daughter of Leticia "Tish" (née Finley) and country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.[2] She has an older half-brother Christopher Cody, her father's son from a previous relationship, an older brother Trace,[14] a vocalist and guitarist of an electronic rock band, Metro Station in California.[15] She also has an older sister, Brandi,[14] a younger brother, Braison, and a younger sister, Noah, who is also an actress.[16] Cyrus was named Destiny Hope because her parents believed that she would accomplish great things.[2] Cyrus gained her nickname "Miley" because she kept smiling ("Smiley") as a youngster.[2]
Cyrus used to attend Heritage Middle School and was a cheerleader,[17] but now goes to school at Options For Youth.[18] She also has a private tutor on the set of her TV show.[19] She grew up on her parents' farm outside of Nashville, Tennessee where she also attended The People's Church.[20][21]
Acting career
Cyrus became interested in acting at age nine when the family briefly lived in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her first acting role was as a guest star on her father's television series Doc, in which she played a girl named Kylie.[22][3] In 2003, she played "Young Ruthie" in Tim Burton's Big Fish and was credited as Destiny Cyrus. She was also featured in Rhonda Vincent's music video for "If Heartaches Have Wings", and appeared on Colgate Country Showdown with her father, who was hosting the program.
Disney career
Cyrus was twelve years old when she originally auditioned for Disney for the lead role of Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana, as well as the show's "best friend" roles,[23] but Disney Channel executives judged her to be too small. However, Cyrus was persistent in her desire to be part of Hannah Montana, so Disney called her back for further auditions. According to Disney Channel Executive Vice President Gary Marsh, Cyrus was chosen for the show because of her energetic and lively performance and was seen as a person who "loves every minute of life,"[24] with the "everyday relatability of Hilary Duff and the stage presence of Shania Twain."[20] She spent several years trying to get rid of her Southern accent, but in the end Disney wanted her to revive it. Later in an unusual twist, Cyrus had to audition her own father, Billy Ray Cyrus, to see if he would fit the role as Hannah's dad.[25] Cyrus currently stars in Hannah Montana as the lead character Miley Stewart, whose alter ego is the pop music sensation Hannah Montana. Cyrus also performs in character as Hannah Montana for albums and concerts. Cyrus also appeared in the Disney Channel Hannah Montana promotion, "Hannah Montana's Backstage Secrets," in which she portrays Hannah Montana in a fictional interview set in the show's canon.
Cyrus had a brief cameo in the 2007 television movie High School Musical 2 credited as "Girl at Pool," where she danced before the end credits in front of the pool wearing a yellow baby doll top and denim Bermuda shorts. Cyrus also guest-starred as Yatta on Disney Channel's The Emperor's New School. Cyrus provided the voice of Penny in the 2008 computer-animated film, Bolt.
While attending the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix premiere, Cyrus stated that they are working on ideas for a Hannah Montana movie. The feature-length film is to be produced by Cyrus's both on and off-screen dad, Billy Ray Cyrus.[26]
On December 4, 2008, Sun Times announced that Cyrus will tackle another Disney project — a sequel to the Chicago-set 1987 comedy Adventures in Babysitting. Fellow tween star Raven-Symoné will co-star in the sequel, currently titled Further Adventures in Babysitting. The movie is set for a 2010 release.[27]
Music career
2006
On April 4, 2006, the fourth edition was released in the DisneyMania series. It features various musical artists performing Disney songs. In it, Cyrus made a cover of Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah, from 1946 Live-action and Animationanimated movie Song of the South, originally performed by James Baskett.
The album became the second highest-peaking album in the series, peaking at #15 on the Billboard 200[28] and was certified Gold by the RIAA.[29] To date, the album has sold over 717,000 copies.
Later, Walt Disney Records released the first Hannah Montana soundtrack, on October 24, 2006. The soundtrack included eight of the songs that Cyrus performed as Hannah Montana, four by other artists and the last on the album is sung by Cyrus (as herself) and her father, Billy Ray Cyrus.
The album debuted at #1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 selling 281,000 copies in its first week, beating out such artists as John Legend and rock band My Chemical Romance.[30] where it remained for two weeks.[31] Eight songs from the album have charted on the Billboard Hot 100, including the theme song, "The Best of Both Worlds". It was the eighth best selling album of 2006 in the U.S., with nearly two million copies sold that year.[32] The album has sold 3.5 million copies in the U.S and over 4.5 million worldwide.
The album was later re-released twice — a Holiday Edition featuring Cyrus's cover of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and a Special Edition featuring "Nobody's Perfect." The first was performed by Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana at the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade in 2006 on Christmas Day, and later appeared on 2007 album Disney Channel Holiday. Cyrus also opened for The Cheetah Girls, performing on 20 dates of their 39-city tour.[33]
2007
Once again, Cyrus recorded a remake version of a classic Disney song to the DisneyMania fifth edition. This time, she covered "Part of Your World", from 1989 film The Little Mermaid, written and composed by the songwriting duo Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at #14 with a sales of 44,000 units, becoming the highest debut for a DisneyMania album to date.[34]
On June 26, 2007, exactly eight months after the release of the first soundtrack, Cyrus released a double album, Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus. The first disc served as the second Hannah Montana soundtrack, while the second disc was Cyrus's debut solo album as herself. She wrote eight of the ten songs, credited by her birth name Destiny Hope Cyrus.
The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and sold 326,000 copies, selling faster in its first week than the previous soundtrack.[30] The album remained in the top 5 for over 40 weeks. On the strength of holiday season sales, the album returned and remained in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 in December on the strength of holiday season sales, and sold more than 700,000 copies during that period.[35] The album, having sold more than 3,200,000 copies in the U.S was certified three times Platinum by RIAA.[36]
The double album had five of its songs debut on the Billboard Hot 100 in the same week, while "Nobody's Perfect" climbed to a new peak. The highest of the peaks was "See You Again" at #10, which also become Cyrus' first song to enter the top ten on the Hot 100.[37]
Cyrus playing a keyboard in a concert.
Cyrus performed both as herself and in character as Hannah Montana on a North American Best of Both Worlds Tour that started on October 18, 2007 in St. Louis, Missouri; the tour was extended, due to high demand, until January 31, 2008, with 69 total dates, 14 more than previously planned. The Jonas Brothers were the opening act for most of the tour.[38] Tour tickets for each date sold out in record time after they went on sale, disappointing a large number of fans.[39] The tour was recorded and released to cinemas in Disney Digital 3-D. The concert film brought in $8,651,758 on its opening day, and continued on to gross $31,117,834 to finish off the weekend, making it the highest-grossing opening weekend for a film to be released under 1000 screens, and on July 26, 2008 it was released on Disney Channel.[40] Though its initial run in theaters was due to last just a week, Disney extended the film's run indefinitely because of the demand of the fans.[41]
After that, Walt Disney Records/Hollywood Records released a live album recorded by Cyrus during this tour. It features seven songs as her character, Hannah Montana, and another seven as herself. The album peaked at number three in the United States.[42]
2008–present
Just over a year later, Cyrus released her second studio album under her own name. Breakout is the first Miley Cyrus album that has no connection with the Hannah Montana franchise. Cyrus said that Meet Miley Cyrus was "just meeting me, finding out who I am", while Breakout was inspired by "what's been going on in my life in the past year."[43] Cyrus co-wrote all but two songs on the album.[43] "Songwriting is what I really want to do with my life forever, [...] I just hope this record showcases that, more than anything, I'm a writer."[44] A majority of the songs are co-written by Antonina Armato and Tim James, the writers of "See You Again" and "Good and Broken".
The album debuted at #1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart with a first week sales of about 371,000 copies. As of July 31, 2008 this was the second-biggest sales week of the year for a female artist; Mariah Carey's E=MC² previously sold 463,000 copies in its first week.[6]
"7 Things" was the first single to be released from Breakout. It premiered on Radio Disney on May 12, 2008, with a wider premiere on Elvis Duran the following day.[45] "7 Things" debuted at number 84 on the Billboard Hot 100.[46] After the single was released via the iTunes Store two weeks later, it rose sixty spots from number 70 to number nine.[47] It became Cyrus' highest charting single on the Hot 100.
Cyrus was invited to present the song "That's How You Know" from the film Enchanted at the 80th Academy Awards. She also hosted the 2008 CMT Music Awards with her father in April.[48] On April 9, 2008, Cyrus appeared on the American Idol fundraiser show Idol Gives Back, performing "Good and Broken" and "See You Again". She also told the audience that it has always been one of her dreams to appear on American Idol. In August 2008, Miley hosted and performed at the Teen Choice Awards.[49]
On September 5, 2008, Cyrus joined Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Rihanna, Ciara, Beyonce, and many other female singers to perform a single for the anti-cancer campaign Stand Up to Cancer. The single, titled "Just Stand Up!", was performed live during the one-hour telethon that which aired on all major U.S. television networks.[50] On September 14, 2008, Cyrus participated in other philanthropy action — along with other performers, performed at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA for the City of Hope Benefit Concert that will help raise for cancer research and training programs.[51]
On November 4, 2008, Hollywood Records released a Christmas themed CD titled All Wrapped Up.[52] It features various musical artists signed to this label singing their own versions of holiday songs, which include Cyrus version of the Christmas hit "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town".[53]
Cyrus co-wrote and recorded one of the two original songs to the soundtrack of Bolt, the song also features the other Bolt star John Travolta. Titled "I Thought I Lost You", it was later nominated to a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.[54] The soundtrack was released on November 18, 2008.[55]
Entrepreneurship
Cyrus became a spokesperson for Daisy Rock Guitars in 2004, when she was presented with her first Daisy Rock guitar — the Stardust Series Acoustic Electric Pink Sparkle. It was given to her by her parents from her father's Country Music Television fan meet-and-greet when she was 12 years old.[56]
Disney released a Hannah Montana clothing collection in late summer 2007. Cyrus helped to design some of the pieces from the collection. "It's not a costume. A tween girl isn't doing dress-up, they want to look like they could be Hannah Montana's friend. This is a fashion line."[57] In April 2008, Cyrus announced plans to write a book about her life and career, which she has since finished. The Disney Book Group bought the rights to the book for a reported 7 figures to be published by their imprint Disney-Hyperion Books for a scheduled release spring 2009. An initial printing run of one million copies is planned.[58]
In December 2007, she was ranked #17 in the list of Forbes Top Twenty Superstar Earners under 25 with an annual earning of US$3.5 million.[59] In April 2008, Parade and Us Weekly reported that Cyrus earned $18.2 million in 2007. Cyrus was ranked #35 on the "2008 Forbes Celebrity 100" with an estimated earnings of $25 million during June 2007 to June 2008.[60] A wax figure of Miley Cyrus was unveiled at Madame Tussauds in New York City.[61]
In April 2008, Cyrus signed a contract to pen an autobiography reflecting on her life up to the age of 16. The memoir, called Miles To Go was written by Hilary Liftin[62] and will be published by Disney-Hyperion Books in March 2009, upon its release date on March 3, 2009[63]. The memoir discusses Cyrus' relationship with her father, her thoughts on the media, her love life, her future ambitions and milestones she still has to reach in her life[64].
Personal life
Miley with dancers, Ashlee Nino and Amanda Michelle "Mandy" Jiroux.
Cyrus is good friends with fellow Hannah Montana co-stars Emily Osment and Mitchel Musso, often texting and conference calling each other during busy days.[19] Miley Cyrus also taught Emily Osment how to play the guitar and Osment taught Cyrus how to knit. She is also friends with the stars of the highly successful TV movie High School Musical, including Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron,[65] and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody stars including Brenda Song[66] and Ashley Tisdale.[67]
In an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, she stated that she looks up to Hilary Duff as her role model.[67] She also has many pets, including horses, dogs, cats, fish, and chickens.[68] On January 29, 2008 Miley Cyrus announced her intent to officially change her name to "Miley Ray Cyrus," her middle name reflecting that of her father's.[69][70] The name change became official on May 1, 2008.[1]
In an interview with USA Today, Cyrus was quoted as saying her faith is "the main thing" and is the reason why she works in Hollywood.[71] When interviewed by Parade, she added that she attends church regularly with her family.[25] In an interview with Christianity Today, Billy Ray said, "Being Christian, we believe in heaven," and "We also had a great church, and when you give up your church, your pastor, and the community you are involved in, you're making a big sacrifice. Let's face it, Hollywood is a completely different environment than Franklin, Tennessee."[72]
Beginning in February 2008, Cyrus and her friend Mandy Jiroux (who is also a backup dancer for Cyrus) have been creating videos on YouTube called The Miley and Mandy Show. The show, described as a "YouTube hit," is said to be filmed for fun by Cyrus and Jiroux and to be entirely their work, with Cyrus and Jiroux editing the footage together. It is mostly filmed in Cyrus's bedroom.[73]
In 2007, Cyrus made a large contribution to the City of Hope, giving $1 for every "Hannah Montana" concert ticket sold. She said that "the cool thing about being a part of City of Hope is that they are a cancer research center. They're not only helping kids that are there, but also finding out how they can heal them by figuring out what exactly is going on, which is amazing."[74]
In the September 2008 issue of Seventeen magazine, Cyrus stated she was in a relationship with Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers for two years, and that the two "were in love." They broke up at the end of 2007.[75]
Cyrus celebrated her 16th birthday with a charity fundraiser at Disneyland, which was closed early for the event attended by 5,000 fans at $250 per ticket.[76] The proceeds went to the charity Youth Service America, a youth volunteering organization.[77][78][79] Ten outstanding youth volunteers from Youth Service America were invited to attend,[80] and later in the evening, Cyrus presented a $1 million check to the organization.[81] She also gave a musical performance for the attendees, singing four of her Breakout songs.[81][80]
On December 1, 2008, TV Guide reported that Cyrus was selected as one of America's top ten most fascinating people of 2008 for an Barbara Walters ABC special aired on December 4, 2008.[82]
Controversies
Pregnancy hoax
On September 24, 2007, rumors began circulating that Cyrus was pregnant.[83] The cause of the rumor was an image of a page of J-14 Magazine circulating on the Internet entitled "Miley's Meltdown" and saying, among other things, "Miley herself confirmed the pregnancy rumors during a J-14 interview."[84] J-14 immediately responded saying that, "Someone doctored the "This Just In" article that appeared on page 16 of J-14's July 2007 issue" and that "this story is completely fabricated!"[85][86] The real story on J-14's Page 16 magazine was about 'Miley's Gross Habits' told by her co-stars on the set of Hannah Montana.
Vanity Fair photos
On April 25, 2008, the televised entertainment program Entertainment Tonight reported that Cyrus had posed topless for a photoshoot with Vanity Fair.[87] The photo, and subsequently released behind-the-scenes photos, show Cyrus with her bare back exposed but her front covered with a bedsheet. The photoshoot was taken by photographer Annie Leibovitz.[88] The full photograph was published with an accompanying story on The New York Times' website on April 27, 2008. On April 29, 2008, The New York Times clarified that though the pictures left an impression that she was bare-breasted, Cyrus was wrapped in a bedsheet and was actually not topless.[89] Some parents expressed outrage at the nature of the photograph, which a Disney spokesperson described as "a situation [that] was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines." Gary Marsh, president of entertainment for Disney Channel Worldwide, was quoted by Portfolio magazine to have said, “For Miley Cyrus to be a ‘good girl’ is now a business decision for her. Parents have invested in her a godliness. If she violates that trust, she won’t get it back.”[89] Branding consultants John Tantillo and Michael Stone appeared on Fox Business News to discuss possible repercussions for Cyrus' brand and her best marketing strategy going forward.[90]
In response to the internet circulation of the photo and ensuing media attention, Cyrus released a statement of apology on April 27, 2008:
“ "I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be 'artistic' and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed. I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans who I care so deeply about."[89] ”
Leibovitz also released a statement:
“ "I'm sorry that my portrait of Miley has been misinterpreted. The photograph is a simple, classic portrait, shot with very little makeup, and I think it is very beautiful."[89][91] ”
On April 28, 2008, Vanity Fair published their full interview and photo shoot with Cyrus and her father Billy Ray Cyrus, as well as the behind-the-scenes photographs, on their website.[92] According to the interview, Cyrus' parents and/or minders were present during the entire duration of the photo shoot. The idea to pose with the sheets on was suggested by Leibovitz. When asked if she were "anxious" about the pose, Cyrus stated to interviewer Bruce Handy:
“ "No, I mean I had a big blanket on. And I thought, this looks pretty, and really natural. I think it's really artsy. It wasn't in a skanky way.... And you can't say no to Annie. She's so cute. She gets this puppy-dog look and you're like, okay."[92] ”
However, on December 2, 2008, TV Guide reported that Cyrus is interested in working with Leibovitz again in the future and is even considering a career in photography for herself.
“ "That's what I want to do with my life. I would love to be a photographer ... I want to come to London to study. I hear there are some great art schools here so I would love to do that."[93] ”
Filmography
Film
Year Film Role Notes
2003 Big Fish Ruthie Billed as "Destiny Cyrus"
2007 High School Musical 2 Girl at Pool Cameo appearance
2008 Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Hannah Montana/Herself Main Role
Bolt Penny Voice
2009 Hannah Montana: The Movie Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana Main Role
2010 Further Adventures in Babysitting Pre-production
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Doc Kylie Guest appearance
2006 The Suite Life of Zack and Cody Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana "That's So Suite Life of Hannah Montana" (crossover episode)
Disney Channel Games Herself Disney Channel special
2006–present Hannah Montana Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana Lead Role
2007 The Emperor's New School Yatta Voice
Disney Channel Games Herself Disney Channel special
2007–2008 The Replacements Celebrity Starr Voice
2008 Studio DC: Almost Live Herself Disney Channel special
Discography
Main article: Miley Cyrus discography
Studio albums
* 2007: Hannah Montana 2/Meet Miley Cyrus
* 2008: Breakout
Live albums
* 2008: Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert
Tours
* 2007/2008: Best of Both Worlds Tour
Soundtracks
* 2006: Hannah Montana
* 2007: Hannah Montana 2/Meet Miley Cyrus
* 2008: Bolt
* 2009: Hannah Montana: The Movie
Awards
Year Result Award Category Nominated Work
2007 Won Kids' Choice Awards Favorite TV Actress Hannah Montana
Teen Choice Awards TV Actress Comedy
Summer Artist None
2008 Nominated Video Music Awards Best New Artist 7 Things
2008 Won Teen Choice Awards Female Artist None
TV Actress Comedy Hannah Montana
Young Artist Awards Best Performance in a TV Series
Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Female Singer None
Favorite TV Actress Hannah Montana
2008 Nominated Europe Music Awards New Act None
2008 Won UK Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Female TV Star None
Australian Kids' Choice Awards Favorite International Singer
Favorite International TV Star
2009 Nominated People's Choice Awards People's Choice Favorite Star Under 35 None
Golden Globe Award Best Original Song I Thought I Lost You
Critic's Choice Award Best Song
Cyrus became a sensation after Hannah Montana debuted in March 2006. Following the success of the show, in October 2006, a soundtrack CD was released in which she sang eight songs from the show. Cyrus's solo music career began with the release of her debut album, Meet Miley Cyrus on June 23, 2007. Her second album, Breakout was released on July 22, 2008. Breakout is Cyrus's first album that does not involve the Hannah Montana franchise. Both albums debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200.[6] In 2008 she released her Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert film which had the highest-grossing opening weekend for a film to be released under 1000 theatres.[7] She also released Bolt in 2008, and recorded "I Thought I Lost You" for the soundtrack for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination. Also, she has completed filming on the movie spin-off of Hannah Montana, titled Hannah Montana: The Movie which set to release on April 10, 2009. In addition, she has recorded the main single for the movie soundtrack "The Climb".[8][9][10]
In 2008, Cyrus was listed among artists and entertainers as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in The World.[11] Forbes magazine ranked her #35 on "The Celebrity 100" list with earnings of over US$25 million in 2008.
Early life
Cyrus was born in Nashville, Tennessee.[13] She is the daughter of Leticia "Tish" (née Finley) and country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.[2] She has an older half-brother Christopher Cody, her father's son from a previous relationship, an older brother Trace,[14] a vocalist and guitarist of an electronic rock band, Metro Station in California.[15] She also has an older sister, Brandi,[14] a younger brother, Braison, and a younger sister, Noah, who is also an actress.[16] Cyrus was named Destiny Hope because her parents believed that she would accomplish great things.[2] Cyrus gained her nickname "Miley" because she kept smiling ("Smiley") as a youngster.[2]
Cyrus used to attend Heritage Middle School and was a cheerleader,[17] but now goes to school at Options For Youth.[18] She also has a private tutor on the set of her TV show.[19] She grew up on her parents' farm outside of Nashville, Tennessee where she also attended The People's Church.[20][21]
Acting career
Cyrus became interested in acting at age nine when the family briefly lived in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her first acting role was as a guest star on her father's television series Doc, in which she played a girl named Kylie.[22][3] In 2003, she played "Young Ruthie" in Tim Burton's Big Fish and was credited as Destiny Cyrus. She was also featured in Rhonda Vincent's music video for "If Heartaches Have Wings", and appeared on Colgate Country Showdown with her father, who was hosting the program.
Disney career
Cyrus was twelve years old when she originally auditioned for Disney for the lead role of Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana, as well as the show's "best friend" roles,[23] but Disney Channel executives judged her to be too small. However, Cyrus was persistent in her desire to be part of Hannah Montana, so Disney called her back for further auditions. According to Disney Channel Executive Vice President Gary Marsh, Cyrus was chosen for the show because of her energetic and lively performance and was seen as a person who "loves every minute of life,"[24] with the "everyday relatability of Hilary Duff and the stage presence of Shania Twain."[20] She spent several years trying to get rid of her Southern accent, but in the end Disney wanted her to revive it. Later in an unusual twist, Cyrus had to audition her own father, Billy Ray Cyrus, to see if he would fit the role as Hannah's dad.[25] Cyrus currently stars in Hannah Montana as the lead character Miley Stewart, whose alter ego is the pop music sensation Hannah Montana. Cyrus also performs in character as Hannah Montana for albums and concerts. Cyrus also appeared in the Disney Channel Hannah Montana promotion, "Hannah Montana's Backstage Secrets," in which she portrays Hannah Montana in a fictional interview set in the show's canon.
Cyrus had a brief cameo in the 2007 television movie High School Musical 2 credited as "Girl at Pool," where she danced before the end credits in front of the pool wearing a yellow baby doll top and denim Bermuda shorts. Cyrus also guest-starred as Yatta on Disney Channel's The Emperor's New School. Cyrus provided the voice of Penny in the 2008 computer-animated film, Bolt.
While attending the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix premiere, Cyrus stated that they are working on ideas for a Hannah Montana movie. The feature-length film is to be produced by Cyrus's both on and off-screen dad, Billy Ray Cyrus.[26]
On December 4, 2008, Sun Times announced that Cyrus will tackle another Disney project — a sequel to the Chicago-set 1987 comedy Adventures in Babysitting. Fellow tween star Raven-Symoné will co-star in the sequel, currently titled Further Adventures in Babysitting. The movie is set for a 2010 release.[27]
Music career
2006
On April 4, 2006, the fourth edition was released in the DisneyMania series. It features various musical artists performing Disney songs. In it, Cyrus made a cover of Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah, from 1946 Live-action and Animationanimated movie Song of the South, originally performed by James Baskett.
The album became the second highest-peaking album in the series, peaking at #15 on the Billboard 200[28] and was certified Gold by the RIAA.[29] To date, the album has sold over 717,000 copies.
Later, Walt Disney Records released the first Hannah Montana soundtrack, on October 24, 2006. The soundtrack included eight of the songs that Cyrus performed as Hannah Montana, four by other artists and the last on the album is sung by Cyrus (as herself) and her father, Billy Ray Cyrus.
The album debuted at #1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 selling 281,000 copies in its first week, beating out such artists as John Legend and rock band My Chemical Romance.[30] where it remained for two weeks.[31] Eight songs from the album have charted on the Billboard Hot 100, including the theme song, "The Best of Both Worlds". It was the eighth best selling album of 2006 in the U.S., with nearly two million copies sold that year.[32] The album has sold 3.5 million copies in the U.S and over 4.5 million worldwide.
The album was later re-released twice — a Holiday Edition featuring Cyrus's cover of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and a Special Edition featuring "Nobody's Perfect." The first was performed by Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana at the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade in 2006 on Christmas Day, and later appeared on 2007 album Disney Channel Holiday. Cyrus also opened for The Cheetah Girls, performing on 20 dates of their 39-city tour.[33]
2007
Once again, Cyrus recorded a remake version of a classic Disney song to the DisneyMania fifth edition. This time, she covered "Part of Your World", from 1989 film The Little Mermaid, written and composed by the songwriting duo Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at #14 with a sales of 44,000 units, becoming the highest debut for a DisneyMania album to date.[34]
On June 26, 2007, exactly eight months after the release of the first soundtrack, Cyrus released a double album, Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus. The first disc served as the second Hannah Montana soundtrack, while the second disc was Cyrus's debut solo album as herself. She wrote eight of the ten songs, credited by her birth name Destiny Hope Cyrus.
The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and sold 326,000 copies, selling faster in its first week than the previous soundtrack.[30] The album remained in the top 5 for over 40 weeks. On the strength of holiday season sales, the album returned and remained in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 in December on the strength of holiday season sales, and sold more than 700,000 copies during that period.[35] The album, having sold more than 3,200,000 copies in the U.S was certified three times Platinum by RIAA.[36]
The double album had five of its songs debut on the Billboard Hot 100 in the same week, while "Nobody's Perfect" climbed to a new peak. The highest of the peaks was "See You Again" at #10, which also become Cyrus' first song to enter the top ten on the Hot 100.[37]
Cyrus playing a keyboard in a concert.
Cyrus performed both as herself and in character as Hannah Montana on a North American Best of Both Worlds Tour that started on October 18, 2007 in St. Louis, Missouri; the tour was extended, due to high demand, until January 31, 2008, with 69 total dates, 14 more than previously planned. The Jonas Brothers were the opening act for most of the tour.[38] Tour tickets for each date sold out in record time after they went on sale, disappointing a large number of fans.[39] The tour was recorded and released to cinemas in Disney Digital 3-D. The concert film brought in $8,651,758 on its opening day, and continued on to gross $31,117,834 to finish off the weekend, making it the highest-grossing opening weekend for a film to be released under 1000 screens, and on July 26, 2008 it was released on Disney Channel.[40] Though its initial run in theaters was due to last just a week, Disney extended the film's run indefinitely because of the demand of the fans.[41]
After that, Walt Disney Records/Hollywood Records released a live album recorded by Cyrus during this tour. It features seven songs as her character, Hannah Montana, and another seven as herself. The album peaked at number three in the United States.[42]
2008–present
Just over a year later, Cyrus released her second studio album under her own name. Breakout is the first Miley Cyrus album that has no connection with the Hannah Montana franchise. Cyrus said that Meet Miley Cyrus was "just meeting me, finding out who I am", while Breakout was inspired by "what's been going on in my life in the past year."[43] Cyrus co-wrote all but two songs on the album.[43] "Songwriting is what I really want to do with my life forever, [...] I just hope this record showcases that, more than anything, I'm a writer."[44] A majority of the songs are co-written by Antonina Armato and Tim James, the writers of "See You Again" and "Good and Broken".
The album debuted at #1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart with a first week sales of about 371,000 copies. As of July 31, 2008 this was the second-biggest sales week of the year for a female artist; Mariah Carey's E=MC² previously sold 463,000 copies in its first week.[6]
"7 Things" was the first single to be released from Breakout. It premiered on Radio Disney on May 12, 2008, with a wider premiere on Elvis Duran the following day.[45] "7 Things" debuted at number 84 on the Billboard Hot 100.[46] After the single was released via the iTunes Store two weeks later, it rose sixty spots from number 70 to number nine.[47] It became Cyrus' highest charting single on the Hot 100.
Cyrus was invited to present the song "That's How You Know" from the film Enchanted at the 80th Academy Awards. She also hosted the 2008 CMT Music Awards with her father in April.[48] On April 9, 2008, Cyrus appeared on the American Idol fundraiser show Idol Gives Back, performing "Good and Broken" and "See You Again". She also told the audience that it has always been one of her dreams to appear on American Idol. In August 2008, Miley hosted and performed at the Teen Choice Awards.[49]
On September 5, 2008, Cyrus joined Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Rihanna, Ciara, Beyonce, and many other female singers to perform a single for the anti-cancer campaign Stand Up to Cancer. The single, titled "Just Stand Up!", was performed live during the one-hour telethon that which aired on all major U.S. television networks.[50] On September 14, 2008, Cyrus participated in other philanthropy action — along with other performers, performed at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA for the City of Hope Benefit Concert that will help raise for cancer research and training programs.[51]
On November 4, 2008, Hollywood Records released a Christmas themed CD titled All Wrapped Up.[52] It features various musical artists signed to this label singing their own versions of holiday songs, which include Cyrus version of the Christmas hit "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town".[53]
Cyrus co-wrote and recorded one of the two original songs to the soundtrack of Bolt, the song also features the other Bolt star John Travolta. Titled "I Thought I Lost You", it was later nominated to a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.[54] The soundtrack was released on November 18, 2008.[55]
Entrepreneurship
Cyrus became a spokesperson for Daisy Rock Guitars in 2004, when she was presented with her first Daisy Rock guitar — the Stardust Series Acoustic Electric Pink Sparkle. It was given to her by her parents from her father's Country Music Television fan meet-and-greet when she was 12 years old.[56]
Disney released a Hannah Montana clothing collection in late summer 2007. Cyrus helped to design some of the pieces from the collection. "It's not a costume. A tween girl isn't doing dress-up, they want to look like they could be Hannah Montana's friend. This is a fashion line."[57] In April 2008, Cyrus announced plans to write a book about her life and career, which she has since finished. The Disney Book Group bought the rights to the book for a reported 7 figures to be published by their imprint Disney-Hyperion Books for a scheduled release spring 2009. An initial printing run of one million copies is planned.[58]
In December 2007, she was ranked #17 in the list of Forbes Top Twenty Superstar Earners under 25 with an annual earning of US$3.5 million.[59] In April 2008, Parade and Us Weekly reported that Cyrus earned $18.2 million in 2007. Cyrus was ranked #35 on the "2008 Forbes Celebrity 100" with an estimated earnings of $25 million during June 2007 to June 2008.[60] A wax figure of Miley Cyrus was unveiled at Madame Tussauds in New York City.[61]
In April 2008, Cyrus signed a contract to pen an autobiography reflecting on her life up to the age of 16. The memoir, called Miles To Go was written by Hilary Liftin[62] and will be published by Disney-Hyperion Books in March 2009, upon its release date on March 3, 2009[63]. The memoir discusses Cyrus' relationship with her father, her thoughts on the media, her love life, her future ambitions and milestones she still has to reach in her life[64].
Personal life
Miley with dancers, Ashlee Nino and Amanda Michelle "Mandy" Jiroux.
Cyrus is good friends with fellow Hannah Montana co-stars Emily Osment and Mitchel Musso, often texting and conference calling each other during busy days.[19] Miley Cyrus also taught Emily Osment how to play the guitar and Osment taught Cyrus how to knit. She is also friends with the stars of the highly successful TV movie High School Musical, including Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron,[65] and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody stars including Brenda Song[66] and Ashley Tisdale.[67]
In an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, she stated that she looks up to Hilary Duff as her role model.[67] She also has many pets, including horses, dogs, cats, fish, and chickens.[68] On January 29, 2008 Miley Cyrus announced her intent to officially change her name to "Miley Ray Cyrus," her middle name reflecting that of her father's.[69][70] The name change became official on May 1, 2008.[1]
In an interview with USA Today, Cyrus was quoted as saying her faith is "the main thing" and is the reason why she works in Hollywood.[71] When interviewed by Parade, she added that she attends church regularly with her family.[25] In an interview with Christianity Today, Billy Ray said, "Being Christian, we believe in heaven," and "We also had a great church, and when you give up your church, your pastor, and the community you are involved in, you're making a big sacrifice. Let's face it, Hollywood is a completely different environment than Franklin, Tennessee."[72]
Beginning in February 2008, Cyrus and her friend Mandy Jiroux (who is also a backup dancer for Cyrus) have been creating videos on YouTube called The Miley and Mandy Show. The show, described as a "YouTube hit," is said to be filmed for fun by Cyrus and Jiroux and to be entirely their work, with Cyrus and Jiroux editing the footage together. It is mostly filmed in Cyrus's bedroom.[73]
In 2007, Cyrus made a large contribution to the City of Hope, giving $1 for every "Hannah Montana" concert ticket sold. She said that "the cool thing about being a part of City of Hope is that they are a cancer research center. They're not only helping kids that are there, but also finding out how they can heal them by figuring out what exactly is going on, which is amazing."[74]
In the September 2008 issue of Seventeen magazine, Cyrus stated she was in a relationship with Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers for two years, and that the two "were in love." They broke up at the end of 2007.[75]
Cyrus celebrated her 16th birthday with a charity fundraiser at Disneyland, which was closed early for the event attended by 5,000 fans at $250 per ticket.[76] The proceeds went to the charity Youth Service America, a youth volunteering organization.[77][78][79] Ten outstanding youth volunteers from Youth Service America were invited to attend,[80] and later in the evening, Cyrus presented a $1 million check to the organization.[81] She also gave a musical performance for the attendees, singing four of her Breakout songs.[81][80]
On December 1, 2008, TV Guide reported that Cyrus was selected as one of America's top ten most fascinating people of 2008 for an Barbara Walters ABC special aired on December 4, 2008.[82]
Controversies
Pregnancy hoax
On September 24, 2007, rumors began circulating that Cyrus was pregnant.[83] The cause of the rumor was an image of a page of J-14 Magazine circulating on the Internet entitled "Miley's Meltdown" and saying, among other things, "Miley herself confirmed the pregnancy rumors during a J-14 interview."[84] J-14 immediately responded saying that, "Someone doctored the "This Just In" article that appeared on page 16 of J-14's July 2007 issue" and that "this story is completely fabricated!"[85][86] The real story on J-14's Page 16 magazine was about 'Miley's Gross Habits' told by her co-stars on the set of Hannah Montana.
Vanity Fair photos
On April 25, 2008, the televised entertainment program Entertainment Tonight reported that Cyrus had posed topless for a photoshoot with Vanity Fair.[87] The photo, and subsequently released behind-the-scenes photos, show Cyrus with her bare back exposed but her front covered with a bedsheet. The photoshoot was taken by photographer Annie Leibovitz.[88] The full photograph was published with an accompanying story on The New York Times' website on April 27, 2008. On April 29, 2008, The New York Times clarified that though the pictures left an impression that she was bare-breasted, Cyrus was wrapped in a bedsheet and was actually not topless.[89] Some parents expressed outrage at the nature of the photograph, which a Disney spokesperson described as "a situation [that] was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines." Gary Marsh, president of entertainment for Disney Channel Worldwide, was quoted by Portfolio magazine to have said, “For Miley Cyrus to be a ‘good girl’ is now a business decision for her. Parents have invested in her a godliness. If she violates that trust, she won’t get it back.”[89] Branding consultants John Tantillo and Michael Stone appeared on Fox Business News to discuss possible repercussions for Cyrus' brand and her best marketing strategy going forward.[90]
In response to the internet circulation of the photo and ensuing media attention, Cyrus released a statement of apology on April 27, 2008:
“ "I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be 'artistic' and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed. I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans who I care so deeply about."[89] ”
Leibovitz also released a statement:
“ "I'm sorry that my portrait of Miley has been misinterpreted. The photograph is a simple, classic portrait, shot with very little makeup, and I think it is very beautiful."[89][91] ”
On April 28, 2008, Vanity Fair published their full interview and photo shoot with Cyrus and her father Billy Ray Cyrus, as well as the behind-the-scenes photographs, on their website.[92] According to the interview, Cyrus' parents and/or minders were present during the entire duration of the photo shoot. The idea to pose with the sheets on was suggested by Leibovitz. When asked if she were "anxious" about the pose, Cyrus stated to interviewer Bruce Handy:
“ "No, I mean I had a big blanket on. And I thought, this looks pretty, and really natural. I think it's really artsy. It wasn't in a skanky way.... And you can't say no to Annie. She's so cute. She gets this puppy-dog look and you're like, okay."[92] ”
However, on December 2, 2008, TV Guide reported that Cyrus is interested in working with Leibovitz again in the future and is even considering a career in photography for herself.
“ "That's what I want to do with my life. I would love to be a photographer ... I want to come to London to study. I hear there are some great art schools here so I would love to do that."[93] ”
Filmography
Film
Year Film Role Notes
2003 Big Fish Ruthie Billed as "Destiny Cyrus"
2007 High School Musical 2 Girl at Pool Cameo appearance
2008 Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Hannah Montana/Herself Main Role
Bolt Penny Voice
2009 Hannah Montana: The Movie Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana Main Role
2010 Further Adventures in Babysitting Pre-production
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Doc Kylie Guest appearance
2006 The Suite Life of Zack and Cody Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana "That's So Suite Life of Hannah Montana" (crossover episode)
Disney Channel Games Herself Disney Channel special
2006–present Hannah Montana Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana Lead Role
2007 The Emperor's New School Yatta Voice
Disney Channel Games Herself Disney Channel special
2007–2008 The Replacements Celebrity Starr Voice
2008 Studio DC: Almost Live Herself Disney Channel special
Discography
Main article: Miley Cyrus discography
Studio albums
* 2007: Hannah Montana 2/Meet Miley Cyrus
* 2008: Breakout
Live albums
* 2008: Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert
Tours
* 2007/2008: Best of Both Worlds Tour
Soundtracks
* 2006: Hannah Montana
* 2007: Hannah Montana 2/Meet Miley Cyrus
* 2008: Bolt
* 2009: Hannah Montana: The Movie
Awards
Year Result Award Category Nominated Work
2007 Won Kids' Choice Awards Favorite TV Actress Hannah Montana
Teen Choice Awards TV Actress Comedy
Summer Artist None
2008 Nominated Video Music Awards Best New Artist 7 Things
2008 Won Teen Choice Awards Female Artist None
TV Actress Comedy Hannah Montana
Young Artist Awards Best Performance in a TV Series
Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Female Singer None
Favorite TV Actress Hannah Montana
2008 Nominated Europe Music Awards New Act None
2008 Won UK Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Female TV Star None
Australian Kids' Choice Awards Favorite International Singer
Favorite International TV Star
2009 Nominated People's Choice Awards People's Choice Favorite Star Under 35 None
Golden Globe Award Best Original Song I Thought I Lost You
Critic's Choice Award Best Song
