Miley Cyrus returns to stage for sold-out Hollywood Bowl show

Cyrus embraces anti-pop status in first full concert in four years

Throughout the concert, Miley Cyrus embraced her status as an "anti-pop" pop star. This event marked the singer's first full live concert in four years, following a performance in Mexico for over 150,000 fans.

The concert series represents a shift back to the spotlight after a long hiatus from touring. Cyrus’s last extensive solo tour was in 2014 for her album "Bangerz," and her subsequent stage appearances were mostly limited to festival performances and special events.

Setlist features new tracks and Dolly Parton tribute

The setlist included "Orbit," "Different Religion" featuring Model/Actriz, and a remix of "Bass Persuades," as well as a track Cyrus co-wrote with her partner Maxx Morando. Other songs performed included "Handstand".

Cyrus also performed a tribute to Dolly Parton, featuring "Jolene" and "Walk Of Fame," explaining that she selected the venue because she had once witnessed a performance by Parton there. The show featured a mix of tracks from the 'Endless Summer Vacation' album, various fan favourites, and songs from her wider catalogue.

Guest appearances and stage production details

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips joined Cyrus on a B-stage positioned in the centre of the crowd to perform "Do You Realize??" and "Karen Don't Be Sad".

During the performance, Cyrus descended from this B-stage, which was strategically located within the stands of the Hollywood Bowl. The production of the concert series included dynamic lighting, striking visuals, and a stage design intended to amplify the themes of the performance.

Cyrus reflects on performing and the Hollywood Bowl venue

Cyrus, reflecting on her return to the venue, posted on Instagram that the Hollywood Bowl is her favourite place to experience music and watch her preferred artists. She noted that she had previously sat in the venue's seats many times but had never taken the stage herself. "LA is my heart and I’m bringing it home," she added.

In a conversation with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Cyrus described the Hollywood Bowl shows as "the ultimate dress rehearsal". She revealed an openness to the concept of residencies rather than traditional touring. Addressing her live performance strategy, she told Lowe: "People like to see me perform and I like to sleep in my marshmallow bed, so we can both be happy".

She echoed this sentiment regarding her preference for performance while maintaining her rest. During the show, Cyrus acknowledged the exchange of energy with the audience, stating, "You guys gave me so much energy, but you also took a little energy out of me".

Career context and recent promotional events

The Bass Persuades project was released on 18 September through Atlantic Records, following an announcement made in early September. The record spent one week at the top of the Billboard 200. It is described as a grungier, bassier counterpart to her previous album, Endless Summer Vacation.

This Hollywood Bowl performance was a culmination of the success of Endless Summer Vacation and marked a point in Cyrus’s artistic evolution. Cyrus has released three albums since her last full performance.

Earlier this year, she performed during the taping of the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special. In June, she appeared at Spotify’s Billions Club Live in Paris for a select group of fans. She also hosted a fan-only event at the Chateau Marmont to debut her album Something Beautiful.

Reflecting on her career in an interview with British Vogue earlier this year, Cyrus noted that after the Bangerz tour, she questioned if she wanted to dedicate her life to performing solely for others’ enjoyment. She stated, "It’s been a minute".