Miley Cyrus addressed online criticism of her Hollywood Bowl comeback from the stage on Sunday, calling out social media commentary questioning her commitment and insisting, "I am fully present."
The backlash began after her first show on Friday, Oct. 16. Videos circulated online showing Cyrus, 33, letting the audience and her backup singers handle parts of familiar hits, including "Wrecking Ball," "Party in the U.S.A." and "We Can't Stop," according to music outlets. Some viewers questioned her energy, while she sang more of the material from her new album, "Bass Persuades."
During her second sold-out show on Oct. 18, Cyrus said she had never been told she doesn't put her heart into something, and that she would not "entertain" the idea. She described the commentary as clickbait. She also made a joke about the criticism while performing "Bass Persuades."
She also spoke candidly about the shows, her first full concerts in four years. She said performing no longer comes as naturally as it once did and that people change and grow, but that the two nights were more than an experiment. Reports say she admitted part of her didn't want to perform on Sunday.
The shows drew huge demand, with reports of about 1.5 million fans in the presale queue for a venue that holds roughly 18,000.
Friday's show also carried an emotional moment: Cyrus cried before singing "Jolene" for her late godmother, Dolly Parton, who died Aug. 25. Parton's family said after her death that she is "in the arms of Jesus."
Related article:
