Was it truly the most shocking moment in MTV Video Music Awards history? The 2013 VMAs will forever be etched in pop culture infamy, largely due to Miley Cyrus's provocative performance, a moment that undeniably redefined her image and sparked a global conversation.
The nominations, announced on July 17, 2013, foreshadowed a night of potential triumphs for several artists. Justin Timberlake and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis led the pack with six nominations each, closely followed by Bruno Mars, Miley Cyrus, and Robin Thicke, each vying for recognition in four categories. Yet, while Timberlake emerged as the night's big winner with four awards, including the coveted Video of the Year for "Mirrors" and the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, it was Cyrus's performance that dominated headlines and ignited a firestorm of debate.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Miley Ray Cyrus (born Destiny Hope Cyrus) |
| Birth Date | November 23, 1992 |
| Birth Place | Franklin, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Actress |
| Years Active | 2001present |
| Notable Works |
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| Awards |
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| Website | Official Website |
The 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, held at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, was immediately labeled as the strangest awards show, a reputation solidified by Cyrus's controversial act. Performing for the first time at the VMAs, the former "Hannah Montana" star delivered a duet performance with Robin Thicke that quickly became a cultural flashpoint. The performance involved twerking, suggestive dance moves, and a foam finger prop, igniting both public scrutiny and widespread media attention.
The morning after the spectacle, Kelly Clarkson, an American Idol alum known for her forthright opinions, captured the prevailing sentiment with a tweet that resonated with many viewers. Her reaction reflected a mix of bewilderment and discomfort, mirroring the national conversation that erupted in the wake of Cyrus's performance. The shock value was undeniable, overshadowing even Lady Gaga's past attempts to push boundaries on the VMA stage, including her infamous blood-soaked performance.
Almost five years later, the performance remains an indelible part of pop culture history. The moment, featuring Cyrus dancing suggestively with Thicke, became a subject of ongoing discussion, sparking debates about cultural appropriation, the sexualization of youth, and the evolving role of women in the music industry. Critics and commentators dissected every aspect of the performance, analyzing the choreography, the costumes, and the underlying message, if any.
Cyrus, who had risen to fame as the wholesome Disney star of "Hannah Montana," was consciously shedding her child-star image. The VMA performance served as a pivotal moment in her transition, signaling a desire to be seen as a mature, edgy artist. However, the execution of this transformation was met with mixed reactions, with some praising her boldness and others condemning her perceived exploitation of sexuality. Her performance of "Wrecking Ball" at the 2013 MTV EMAs further cemented her image as a provocateur, solidifying her departure from her Disney past.
Videos of the performance quickly went viral, shared and dissected across social media platforms. The internet became a battleground for opposing viewpoints, with some defending Cyrus's artistic expression and others accusing her of cultural insensitivity and vulgarity. The controversy surrounding the performance became a defining moment of the 2013 VMAs, overshadowing other notable moments and performances from the night.
The reaction to Cyrus's performance was not limited to the media and the public. Insiders within the music industry also weighed in, offering their perspectives on the performance's impact. Some artists defended Cyrus's right to express herself freely, while others expressed concerns about the potential consequences of such overtly sexualized imagery. The debate extended beyond the entertainment world, with academics and cultural critics analyzing the performance through the lens of gender studies, media theory, and social commentary.
The impact on Miley Cyrus's career was immediate and undeniable. While the controversy generated negative publicity, it also catapulted her into the spotlight, making her a household name and solidifying her status as a major pop star. Her subsequent album, "Bangerz," reflected her newfound image, embracing provocative themes and pushing boundaries both musically and visually. Whether she was stripping down to her underwear or engaging in suggestive dance moves, Cyrus left no doubt that she was determined to shed her Disney persona and embrace a more rebellious identity.
The 2013 MTV Video Music Awards became a turning point, not only for Miley Cyrus but also for the VMAs themselves. The event solidified its reputation as a platform for shocking performances and boundary-pushing moments, attracting viewers eager to witness the latest controversy. The VMAs became synonymous with spectacle, prioritizing viral moments over artistic merit, a trend that has continued in subsequent years.
The backlash against Cyruss performance did have some repercussions. In later interviews, she reflected on the experience, acknowledging the criticisms and expressing a desire to use her platform for more meaningful purposes. She emphasized her commitment to using her voice to advocate for social justice issues and to promote positive change. In her cover story for Wonderland's Spring 2018 issue, Cyrus revisited the 2013 VMAs performance, offering a more nuanced perspective on the experience and its impact on her personal and professional growth.
The 2013 MTV Video Music Awards will forever be remembered as the night Miley Cyrus shattered her Disney image and sparked a global debate. Whether the performance was a genuine act of artistic expression or a calculated attempt to shock and generate publicity remains a matter of opinion. However, one thing is certain: the 2013 VMAs irrevocably altered the course of Miley Cyrus's career and redefined the boundaries of pop culture performance. The echoes of that night continue to resonate, shaping the landscape of music and entertainment in the years that followed.
On August 25, 2013, Miley Cyrus stunned the audience at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. Her performance with Robin Thicke, where she twerked and Liam Hemsworth was nowhere to be found amidst the Khloe Kardashian and Lamar drama and Harry Styles news, quickly went viral.
At the 2013 MTV VMAs, Miley Cyrus undeniably stole the show. Performing her song "Wrecking Ball" at the 2013 MTV EMAs, she solidified her new image. Click here to watch the performance.
Miley Cyrus did her best to shock the audience of the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night, and according to most, she succeeded. Pop singer #mileycyrus, performing for the first time at the #mtv #vmas, became the focus of media attention and public scrutiny after a duet performance.
MTV may have found the perfect antidote to a tepid season with Miley Cyruss performance at its awards show. Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus performing at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards: It was why everybody's talking about Miley Cyrus and that performance.
The artist formerly known as Hannah Montana went into overdrive to kill off her Disney protg image. Cyrus showed off her moves with Robin Thicke during the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday, August 25. Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke performed onstage during the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards at the Barclays Center on August 25, 2013, in Brooklyn, NY.
After her infamous foam finger ride in her 2013 VMAs performance with Robin Thicke, Miley Cyrus aimed to use her platform for something much bigger. Cyrus rose to prominence for starring as the title character in the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana. Cyrus has released eight studio albums Meet Miley Cyrus (2007), Breakout (2008), Can't Be Tamed (2010), Bangerz (2013), Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz (2015), Younger Now (2017), Plastic Hearts (2020), and Endless Summer Vacation (2023).
