With an ’80s aesthetic and no vocal enhancements, it was a particularly unique performance.

Miley Cyrus’s cover of “Heart of Glass” at the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Festival was a notable event that captured both the attention of her long-time fans and a new audience. This rendition of the classic Blondie song was more than just a performance; it was a statement of her artistic evolution. The track, originally released by Blondie in 1979, is known for its unique blend of disco and punk rock, and Cyrus’s interpretation brought a fresh, raw energy to the song. Her version retained the essence of the original while infusing it with her distinctive style, which includes her signature raspy voice and a punk-rock attitude.

During the festival, which took place in September 2020, Cyrus’s performance was marked by her choice of attire—a sheer black leotard that paid homage to the glam rock aesthetic of the 1980s. This choice, along with her energetic delivery, contributed to the performance’s high-impact visual and auditory appeal. Her rendition was lauded for its authenticity and emotional depth, with many critics highlighting how she managed to stay true to the spirit of the original while making it distinctly her own. The absence of autotune and the gritty texture of her voice were particularly noted as they underscored her vocal prowess and artistic maturity.

The performance quickly gained traction online, amassing millions of views across various platforms. It resonated with both fans of the original Blondie track and new listeners who appreciated Cyrus’s fresh take on the classic. The success of this cover was reflective of her broader artistic journey, which had seen her exploring different musical styles over the years. It was part of a larger trend in her career where she embraced rock influences more prominently, especially evident in her album Plastic Hearts, which was released later that year.

Cyrus’s decision to cover “Heart of Glass” also served as a tribute to her musical influences. Her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, and her godmother, Dolly Parton, have both had significant impacts on her musical style, blending country roots with broader musical exploration. This background, combined with her own eclectic tastes, has allowed her to cross genres with ease. Her cover of the Blondie track was a testament to her ability to navigate and reinterpret different musical eras and styles.

The cover performance was not just a moment of nostalgia but also a demonstration of Cyrus’s versatility. Her ability to infuse a classic rock song with a modern, punk-rock edge highlighted her unique position in the music industry. It reinforced her reputation as an artist who is capable of bridging the gap between past and present, and between different musical genres.

Born Destiny Hope Cyrus on November 23, 1992, in Franklin, Tennessee, Miley Cyrus began her career with a strong foundation in the entertainment industry through Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana. The success of the show laid the groundwork for her subsequent solo music career. Over the years, Cyrus has released several albums, with notable hits like “Wrecking Ball” and “Party in the U.S.A.” that have showcased her dynamic range and ability to adapt to different musical trends.

Her career has been marked by a series of reinventions, each reflecting different phases of her artistic journey. From her early pop hits to her more recent rock influences, Cyrus has demonstrated a remarkable ability to evolve while maintaining her distinct voice and persona. Her exploration of rock music, particularly in the context of her album Plastic Hearts, represents a significant shift in her musical direction, highlighting her capacity to embrace and reinterpret different genres.

The impact of her performance of “Heart of Glass” goes beyond its immediate success. It reflects her ongoing ability to resonate with audiences through a blend of personal authenticity and broad musical appeal. By reimagining a classic track, Cyrus not only paid homage to a past era of music but also affirmed her place in contemporary music, demonstrating her influence and versatility as an artist.

Overall, Miley Cyrus’s cover of “Heart of Glass” stands out as a significant achievement in her career, showcasing her ability to blend musical influences and reinvent classics in a way that is both respectful and innovative. Her performance is a testament to her artistic growth and her continuing impact on the music industry.