Miley Cyrus addressed criticism of her Hollywood Bowl return during an October 18 concert in Los Angeles, revealing that she had nearly decided not to perform. Her remarks followed online complaints about skipped lyrics at the October 16 show. The two concerts were her first full-length performances in nearly four years.
Key Takeaways
- Cyrus performed at the Hollywood Bowl on October 16 and 18, 2026
- Some online commentators criticized how much of her older material she sang at the first show
- At the second concert, Cyrus said she nearly stayed offstage and defended her commitment to performing
- Both shows featured 18-song sets combining Bass Persuades, older hits and a Dolly Parton tribute
Miley Cyrus said she was “fully present” at the Hollywood Bowl after some online viewers questioned her effort during the first of her two Los Angeles concerts. Addressing the audience on Sunday, October 18, she also disclosed that she had considered not coming onstage before the opening song.
The remarks followed Friday’s show, where portions of songs including “Flowers” and “Party in the U.S.A.” drew attention because Cyrus did not sing every lyric. The criticism reflected comments and reviews, not a measured consensus among the thousands of people who attended the sold-out concerts.
Miley Cyrus Hollywood Bowl Criticism Focused on Skipped Lyrics
Cyrus opened her response by challenging the suggestion that leaving passages to the audience meant she was not committed to the performance. In videos from the October 18 show reported by entertainment outlets, she described some online commentary about the previous night as clickbait.
“I’ve never heard that I don’t put my heart into something,” she told the crowd. She did not identify a particular reviewer or claim that the criticism represented every concertgoer’s experience.
The comments followed discussion of familiar songs from different periods of her career. Some observers objected to moments when backup singers or the crowd carried vocals during older hits. Other reporting described audience singalongs as part of the performances. Neither account establishes how most people at the venue felt about the show.
During Sunday’s performance of “Bass Persuades,” Cyrus made a sarcastic remark about expectations that she sing every word. She later emphasized her commitment to the crowd: “I am fully present.”
The statement addressed her engagement with the concert rather than disputing whether individual lines had been left unsung.
Cyrus Explains Why Returning to Full Concerts Felt Difficult
Cyrus said her hesitation began before Sunday’s opening song, “Orbit.” She told the audience that she had thought about not appearing but chose to continue because people were already seated and expecting a concert. She did not name a single factor as the cause of that decision.
“It is hard for me to stand up here and do this show,” Cyrus said. She explained that performing no longer felt as natural as it once had and rejected the suggestion that attendees were being used as an experiment.
She characterized the concerts as a personal experience made possible by the audience.
The Hollywood Bowl dates followed her red-and-black music campaign in August and the September 18 release of Bass Persuades, her 10th studio album. They also ended a nearly four-year gap since her previous full concert, at Mexico City’s Corona Capital festival in November 2022.
Cyrus has distinguished occasional live appearances from extended touring. In an interview earlier in 2026, she said she missed live shows but did not want to spend months on the road away from family and ordinary routines. She last mounted a large-scale arena tour in 2014.
At Friday’s concert, Cyrus also said performance could not represent the entirety of her life. That remark echoed her earlier description of choosing between extensive touring and maintaining time for family and personal routines.
In 2025, Cyrus publicly discussed a vocal cord polyp and Reinke’s edema, which she said made performing physically demanding.
She did not state that either condition caused her to omit particular lyrics at the Hollywood Bowl. Her earlier disclosures should not be treated as an explanation for the disputed moments.
The Setlist Paired Bass Persuades With a Dolly Parton Tribute
Both concerts used 18-song sets, according to concert records, mixing new music with familiar singles and collaborations.
The opening sequence featured “Orbit,” “Different Religion” and the title track from Bass Persuades. Later songs included “We Can’t Stop,” “Wrecking Ball,” “The Climb” and “Party in the U.S.A.,” while “Flowers” closed the encore.
The performances also featured Model/Actriz on “Different Religion” and Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips on “Do You Realize??” and “Karen Don’t Be Sad.” Cyrus’ fiancé, drummer Maxx Morando, joined her during “Let’s Get Married.”
These appearances were part of the concert program rather than a response to the criticism that followed opening night.
Parts of the set moved to a smaller stage within the audience. Cyrus later walked through the crowd before returning to the main stage, creating a closer setting for songs that preceded her biggest hits.
Another segment honored Cyrus’ late godmother, Dolly Parton. Cyrus performed “Jolene” and recalled seeing Parton perform at the Hollywood Bowl.
The tribute came during the same month as the release of a Stanley Brothers tribute project featuring Dolly Parton’s posthumous recording of “Bound to Ride.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Miley Cyrus criticized after the Hollywood Bowl show?
Some viewers criticized moments at the October 16 concert when Cyrus did not sing every word of familiar songs. The comments were reported online, but they do not establish the reaction of the entire audience.
Did Miley Cyrus almost cancel her second Hollywood Bowl concert?
Cyrus said she considered staying offstage before the October 18 performance. She ultimately appeared and completed the show, explaining that she did not want to leave the audience without the concert they expected.
When did Miley Cyrus last perform a full concert?
Before the two October 2026 Hollywood Bowl performances, her previous full concert was at the Corona Capital festival in Mexico City on November 20, 2022. She had made shorter live appearances in the intervening years.
Which songs did Miley Cyrus perform at the Hollywood Bowl?
The Miley Cyrus Hollywood Bowl setlists included “Orbit,” “Bass Persuades,” “Wrecking Ball,” “Party in the U.S.A.” and “Flowers.” She also performed “Jolene” as a tribute to Dolly Parton.
