Photos: How Miley Cyrus achieved superstar status

Miley is the daughter of country singer and actor Billy Ray Cyrus. She began her music and acting career at the age of 13 when she made her debut in the hit Disney series 'Hannah Montana.' The series starred Cyrus as Hannah, a character who attended public school by day and led a secret life as a famous young singer, a role which showcased her vocal talent.

Miley Cyrus achieved teen idol status with the success of 'Hannah Montana,' providing her with opportunities to record music and tour the globe as her character. She performed alongside acts like 'The Cheetah Girls.'

As Miley got older, she began to find her own voice and develop her own musical identity, distinguishing herself from her television alter ego. Her debut album, 'Meet Miley Cyrus,' was released in 2007. It was a commercial success and the demand for tickets for her live tour was compared to the historic demand for The Beatles.

By the age of 16, Miley Cyrus had 4 number-1 albums on the Billboard 200 charts and was named the youngest artist to achieve this feat.

In her late teens, Miley sought to focus more time on her acting career and change her public image. She landed a more mature role in the 2009 film 'The Last Song.' However, the film was judged harshly by critics.

Edgier lyrics based on her lived experiences as well as experimentation with drugs made for growing pains during this time in Miley’s career. Despite this, Miley continued to make music, tour, and act in film and television roles.

At the age of 14, Miley came out as pansexual to her mother Tish. While she has had many lovers, her turbulent relationship with Liam Hemsworth has been the most enduring. They met in 2009 while co-starring in “The Last Song' together.

Miley and Liam started dating in 2009. They had an on-again-off-again relationship for a few years and then got engaged in 2012. Their engagement was called off in 2013. By 2016, the couple had reunited and were engaged again. They were married in December 2018, shortly after they lost their California home due to wildfires. Unfortunately, their wedded bliss was short-lived and the couple officially divorced in December 2019.

In 2012, Miley said farewell to her trademark long brown locks and shocked her fans with a short, blond pixie cut which she sported for several years.

At the 2013 MTV VMAs, Miley’s controversial twerk-filled antics during Robin Thicke’s performance of 'Blurred Lines' was largely met with disapproval but still garnered her the media attention she craved. For the performance, Miley wore a n u d e bikini accessorized by a large foam finger while Robin Thicke wore a suit reminiscent of that worn by Michael Keaton in 'Beetlejuice.'

Proving that any press is good press, Miley released the single 'Wrecking Ball' on the same day as her shocking VMAs performance. The song became a massive hit and the video had over 19 million views within its first 24 hours.

Growing up in Nashville with country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus as a father, country music is in Miley’s blood. While a southern twang is present in Miley’s singing voice, she mixes a variety of musical styles in her work including country, pop, punk, rock, and RnB. Over the years, she has cited Stevie Nicks, Britney Spears, Joan Jett, Billy Idol, and her own godmother, Dolly Parton, as some of her musical influences.

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Miley continues to dedicate her time and voice to defending the rights of the Queer community. In 2014, she founded the 'Happy Hippie Foundation' whose mission is to combat issues facing vulnerable groups including the homeless and LGBTQ youth. For her continued efforts, Billboard magazine named her a 'Queer Superhero' in 2018.

With over two decades in the music industry, Miley has collaborated with many other gifted artists including Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, The Flaming Lips, Justin Bieber, Metallica, Joan Jett, and her very own godmother, Dolly Parton. Recent collaborations have been with Brandi Carlile and Sia. In addition, Disney Plus is now streaming 'Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions)' featuring Miley with Canadian singer Rufus Wainwright accompanying her on piano.

Despite her extensive acting experience, in recent years Miley has mainly focused on her music. She co-wrote 'Flowers' with Gregory Hein and Michael Pollock, a single that would climb the charts to number one in 35 countries in early 2023. Fans have speculated that the song lyrics refer to her past relationship with Liam Hemsworth.

As the 30-year-old singer-songwriter and actress released her 8th studio album in early March 2023, fans were anticipating an eclectic collection of original songs from the raspy-voiced songstress. Reviewers say that Miley has given the world another peek into her ever-evolving self.

According to Concert Archives, Miley Cyrus has toured the world multiple times and has performed over 400 concerts. Fans are hopeful that an upcoming tour will soon be announced.

Whether or not you are a fan, few can deny that Miley Cyrus is an extremely talented and versatile artist. From her distinct vocals and confident style, to her fearless career moves, she embodies what it means to be comfortable in your own skin.