Staff Picks

Miley Cyrus’ extraordinary version of Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” surprises audiences on all sides.

From her days as Hannah Montana to the anthem “Wrecking Ball,” Miley Cyrus’s origins in classic music are often overlooked. With country music star Billy Ray Cyrus as her father and the legendary Dolly Parton as her godmother, Miley is well-acquainted with the timeless glitz and glamour of vintage pop and rock. Her live rendition of Blondie’s classic, “Heart of Glass,” epitomizes impeccable artistry, shattering the conventional pop star image.

At 28, Miley commanded the stage during the 2020 iHeart Festival, exuding a panther-like energy in a sheer black leotard. Channeling a raw, grungy sex appeal akin to icons of music history, she delivered a vocal performance that left fans and critics in awe. Her signature voice, imbued with the unrefined beauty of punk rock, served as a perfect vehicle for revitalizing Blondie’s captivating track.

For Miley’s younger fans, the vibrant energy radiating from this live cover overshadows the original recording. This may be surprising to some, but it’s a testament to her star power. Born in Franklin, Tennessee, Miley burst onto the Disney Channel scene at just 13, becoming the beloved character Hannah Montana. By the age of 15, she embarked on her solo music career, establishing herself with her groundbreaking 2013 album, “Bangerz,” featuring the iconic single, “Wrecking Ball.”

Since her internet-breaking transformation, Miley has maintained her reign over the pop charts, emerging as one of the most genuine singers of her generation. Last year, she made waves with the feminist anthem “Flowers,” which garnered her first Grammy Award in February 2024. Additionally, she recently released a collaboration with Pharrell Williams titled, “Doctor (Work It Out).”

With a fresh look reminiscent of the 1980s, revisiting Miley Cyrus’s cover of “Heart of Glass” feels like witnessing the rise of a new legend. Displaying her talent without the aid of autotune, she captivates audiences much like a famous diva from music’s golden age, making fans and critics alike feel as though they are in the presence of an emerging icon.

Fearless, bold, and strikingly beautiful, this cover of Blondie’s classic encapsulates Miley’s undeniable star power, standing out among her peers. With more than 177 million views on YouTube for this single performance, alongside 19 million+ YouTube subscribers, 217 million followers on Instagram, and 18.8 million on TikTok, Miley Cyrus successfully bridges the gap between classic pop and contemporary music. She has a unique ability to express raw, sultry talent that feels refreshingly authentic.

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