Miley Cyrus, the ever-evolving musical powerhouse, delved into her storied career during her heartfelt ABC special, “Endless Summer Vacation: Continued (Backyard Sessions),” which aired on August 24. Among the array of poignant moments, Cyrus candidly addressed her infamous clash with the late Sinéad O’Connor—a confrontation that left an indelible mark on both artists and the music industry.
The contemplative journey of the special prompted Cyrus to open up about the feud that emerged in the wake of her release of the “Wrecking Ball” music video nearly a decade ago. In an unexpectedly candid conversation, she expressed that while she anticipated some controversy surrounding the video’s release, she did not foresee being criticized by fellow women, especially those who had faced similar challenges in their own careers.
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The feud originally ignited in 2013 when Cyrus declared her inspiration for the “Wrecking Ball” video was drawn from O’Connor’s iconic visuals for “Nothing Compares 2 U.” O’Connor responded with an open letter, expressing concern about Cyrus’ artistic direction and industry pressures. In the midst of their exchange, Cyrus shared older tweets from O’Connor and made comparisons to Amanda Bynes, who was also struggling with mental health at the time.
In her recent reflection, Cyrus expressed her regret for not understanding the depth of O’Connor’s fragile mental state at the time. She was just 20 years old and grappling with her own journey. Cyrus lamented the fact that her creative autonomy was questioned and stripped away, as she had long been judged for her choices. Her heartfelt realization about the toll of mental illness on O’Connor led to an earnest tribute to the Irish singer, saying, “God bless Sinéad O’Connor for real, in all seriousness.”
In a poignant turn, Cyrus performed her song “Wonder Woman” during the special, dedicating it to O’Connor’s memory. The singer-songwriter passed away at the age of 56, leaving a legacy of candidness and advocacy for mental health awareness. O’Connor’s struggles were well-documented, and her openness about her mental health challenges shed light on the importance of compassion and understanding in the industry.
As Cyrus’s voice filled the air with her soulful melodies, the special provided a powerful reminder of the impact that artists like Sinéad O’Connor have on the world. The discourse between the two artists, though fraught with tension, also highlighted the complexities of navigating the music industry and the pressures that come with it.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the legacy of artists like Sinéad O’Connor serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health advocacy and supporting fellow artists. Cyrus’s introspective journey during the ABC special showcases her growth as an artist and her willingness to learn from the past, reminding us all of the enduring power of music and human connection.