Miley Cyrus Breaks Her Silence

At 32, Miley Cyrus finally opened up about a vocal condition she once kept private. In a candid Apple Music interview with Zane Lowe on May 22, 2025, the singer revealed how the disorder shaped her voice, impacted her career, and influenced her identity.

“Changing it,” she warned, “could cost me everything.”

A Lifelong Condition with a Hidden Cost

Cyrus disclosed that she lives with Reinke’s edema, a condition she described as caused by “vocal cord abuse.” According to the Cleveland Clinic, this disorder causes fluid to build up in the vocal folds, leading to hoarseness and a deeper voice. It’s most common in smokers but can also result from acid reflux or vocal strain.

The Polyp That Changed Her Sound

Her diagnosis includes a large polyp on her vocal cord—something she credits for giving her voice its distinctive tone.

“It’s like running a marathon with ankle weights on,” she said.

Though benign, the condition makes performing extremely difficult. Yet, it has shaped her vocal identity in ways she now cherishes.

Not a Lifestyle Choice

Cyrus clarified that her voice isn’t the result of smoking or partying. While those factors added strain, her anatomy played the bigger role.

Touring Comes with Trade-Offs

Cyrus still considers touring but admits the reality is challenging.

“I don’t lip-sync. I sing live. So it has to be sustainable,” she explained.

Though she feels pulled toward performing, she prioritizes her health and long-term sustainability over constant stage appearances.

Surgery Is Off the Table

Despite ongoing vocal strain, Cyrus refuses surgery.

“I’m not willing to risk losing my voice. Waking up and not sounding like me is a real possibility,” she stated.

Her voice remains deeply personal—and untouchable.

Keeping It Private for Years

Opening up wasn’t easy. Cyrus admitted she long kept her condition hidden.

“It’s something precious and private. But it’s real,” she confessed.

A ‘Blessing’ in Disguise

Though challenging, Cyrus now views her condition as a blessing. It gave her voice its unique character—the very sound that defines her music.

Grammy Recognition at Last

That voice brought her long-overdue acclaim. In February 2024, Cyrus won her first Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance with “Flowers,” from her album Endless Summer Vacation. The hit also earned nominations for Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

No Longer Living on the Road

Despite the praise, Cyrus doesn’t see touring as central to her future. In a heartfelt post titled “Sent From Heaven,” shared on May 25, 2023, she told fans she feels more connected to them now—without nightly performances.

“I don’t need to be constantly visible to stay close to my fans,” she wrote.

Prioritizing Health Over Hustle

Cyrus explained her choice to step back. Touring meant living out of buses and dressing rooms, which no longer suits her. Even her signature fashion pieces don’t survive the road.

Creativity Now Has a Softer Focus

Just days before her X post, Cyrus shared with Vogue that she now prefers intimate creative spaces over huge stages.

“Performing for hundreds of thousands isn’t what I love,” she admitted.
“There’s no connection. No safety.”

From Pop Provocateur to Reflective Artist

Cyrus also looked back on her 20s. She said she once sought attention to distance herself from her Disney past.

“I needed to prove I wasn’t a character. I was me,” she said.

But now, she sees that period through a gentler lens.

Letting Go of Guilt

Over time, Cyrus came to terms with the controversy that once defined her.

“I carried guilt and shame for years,” she shared.
“Now I realize adults judged me harshly when I was still just a kid. And I would never do that to a child.”