The problem with Miley Cyrus isn’t that she has broken bad. It’s that she’s so confusing.
One day, she’s sexualizing herself without actually being sexy,
putting her hair up in double buns like a baby devil’s stubby horns and sticking her tongue out like a cartoon-character Calvin making faces at his stuffed tiger.
The next, it seems, she’s singing Wrecking Ball, a devastating piece of heartbreak pop that ranks among the year’s very finest singles.
![Why Miley Cyrus isn't as crazy as you think she is](https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/d7c681af6b8b063bd5fd311a4604fd348af4bb22/c=0-255-2097-1440/local/-/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2013/09/21/1379815297005-GTY-mileytwerk-181493773-58621490.jpg)
If she’s trying to show how grown up she is by how lewdly she can act, she’s not doing a very good job of it. At the same time, conventional wisdom suggests that rubbing foam fingers in places foam fingers ought not go doesn’t help her credibility as a singer of serious fare like Wrecking Ball. Perhaps, as proposed by Elton John — who, like Cyrus, played this weekend’s iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas — she’s a “meltdown waiting to happen.” Frankly, it’s hard to tell.
What’s great about Miley Cyrus, though, is that she’s so funny. She has a weird and finely tuned sense of humor, which she displayed Saturday during two performances at the festival, particularly her afternoon set at the Music Festival Village.
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![Miley Cyrus Says She Used Bangerz Tour Salary to Buy Props | POPSUGAR Entertainment UK](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/Q6aQ0eISJx9eFlqDNTTeQzcCDJk/fit-in/2048xorig/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-/2023/09/05/999/n/1922283/tmp_SM1pn9_1564fc8db0031201_GettyImages-489350879.jpg)
![Miley Cyrus takes video selfie while performing 'Jolene' in concert – New York Daily News](https://www.nydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/migration/2014/02/27/AYWZWZ54WWDERHKPSMF4UFLNXM.jpg?w=535)
Dressed in a white hot-pants suit with laces that went flying every time she swiveled her hips toward the audience, Cyrus performed We Can’t Stop and Party in the U.S.A. while surrounded by dancers wearing inflatable mushrooms and rainbows, as well as twerking little people. The colorfully absurd stage looked like a cross between a Super Mario Bros. video game and a demented early-’70s children’s television show.
With all Cyrus’ activity the past few weeks — her performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, appearing naked in her Wrecking Ball video, breaking up with Liam Hemsworth — she’s shown an uncanny ability to astonish. But Cyrus could hardly have come up with anything more flat-out flabbergasting Saturday than one of her song choices — Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma.
Written by Melanie Safka of Brand New Key fame, Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma was a modest hit in 1970 for the New Seekers (and, later, a Quaker Oats jingle). Though it was a fairly familiar song in the ’70s, covered by Ray Charles, country singer Billie Joe Spears and others, it was never a particularly big hit. It’s certainly not the sort of song anyone would expect a 20-year-old like Cyrus to know.
Its lyrics, though, are particularly relevant to someone who finds herself besieged by the media at exactly the time she’s presenting the music she hopes will define her as a young adult artist:
Look what they’ve done to my brain, Ma
Look what they’ve done to my brain
Yeah, they picked it like a chicken bone, and they think I’m half insane, Ma
Look what they’ve done to my brain
Cyrus’ performance was a bizarre, funny pop-culture moment, for sure, but it also showed the singer revealing herself to critics of an older generation by using one of their own songs, a markedly mature move for a young woman who seldom receives the benefit of that doubt.
And then there was Wrecking Ball. Cyrus performed the song in front of a concert audience for the first time Saturday afternoon, and then again that night. The afternoon performance moved her to tears. When she finished singing, she had mascara running down her face.
The weird thing about Wrecking Ball is that all the nuttiness of Cyrus’ public persona doesn’t diminish the song. If anything, the controversy, the bizarre faces, the fear for her mental stability, whatever you want to call it, actually enhances the emotional impact of her performance — the same way country singers often use a cornball novelty to set up a real heartbreaker.
It’s entirely possible that Cyrus’ recent bizarre antics are all a setup. Yes, it’s a way to create attention, but not solely for attention’s sake. Cyrus may have a longer game in mind.
Think of Cyrus as a cute, young, female Andy Kaufman, and the confusing pieces of her recent behavior start to make sense. Despite all his other issues, the late comedian understood how to generate heat by turning people against him, a principle he learned from watching professional wrestlers.
And, really, how surprised would anyone be to see Cyrus show up some week on WWE’s Monday Night Raw? All her post-VMAs talk about being “messed up” or “an adult acting like a kid” has the feel of a cerebral wrestling villain cutting promos. She’s turning “heel.”
Why in the world would she do that? Any wrestler can tell you that the more people hate you as a heel, the more they love you when you become a “face,” or a good guy, again. Come to think of it, Madonna could probably tell you a thing or two about that, as well. If Cyrus is stringing her haters along, Kaufman-style, it’s a brilliant, well-played joke.
Don’t want to give Cyrus credit for being that smart? Fine. Maybe she hasn’t consciously set her course. Just remember, though: All her life she’s had the example and advice of a father who was a one-hit-wonder country singer and also smarter than a lot of people thought. Billy Ray Cyrus may not approve of every creative choice she makes, but he’s there to give her guidance and support whenever she wants it.
Besides, anybody who has the good sense to cut Wrecking Ball and the ability to deliver it like Cyrus does can’t be that stupid.
In a surprising twist, Taylor Swift's path from friendship to romance took an unexpected detour that has now blossomed into a dreamy love story with a football player. The pop star recently revealed the true reason behind her relationship with the tight end, suggesting that luck seems to be on her side in matters of the heart. Let's delve into the captivating narrative of Taylor Swift's latest romantic escapade.
Swift's journey, marked by insightful words like "you're on your own, kid," has been uniquely filled with ups and downs. From trusting the wrong person to overreacting and hurting others, her experiences have been anything but ordinary. What began as a fascination with friendship bracelets, traditionally associated with summer camps, turned into a crucial element in Swift's quest for the perfect mate.
![Travis Kelce gifts Taylor Swift $6K diamond bracelet with a hidden message - Hindustan Times](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/30/1600x900/APTOPIX-Chiefs-Ravens-Football-2_1706548763581_1706590771242.jpg)
Enter Travis Kelsey, a man who seems to embody Swift's own spirit. Kelsey not only openly showcased their relationship but also embraced Swift's passion for making friendship bracelets, going so far as to travel to Argentina for a performance in her honor. His crafty tactic to capture Swift's attention at one of her concerts with a friendship bracelet bearing his number added an endearing twist to their tale.
Despite a missed opportunity during the concert, where Swift was too absorbed in her performance to notice the gesture, Kelsey remained optimistic. He shared the amusing incident on his family's podcast, turning what seemed like a wasted opportunity into a charming tale of love.
Swift's romantic journey has been filled with unexpected turns, adding to its captivating nature. Even the disappointment of not being able to present Swift with a personally crafted bracelet added a touch of unpredictability. Swift's ability to surprise her fans, be it with big announcements or secretive meetings, has always kept everyone on edge.
![Taylor Swift's 'TNT' Bracelet Confirmed to Be a His-and-Hers Gift From Travis Kelce | Glamour](https://media.glamour.com/photos/65b90bfe845f0aa5a3be1106/4:3/w_5332,h_3999,c_limit/GettyImages-1970250110.jpg)
The revelation that Travis Kelsey, a Chiefs player, creatively pursued Swift and openly expressed his crush, eventually becoming the guy on the Chiefs, added a layer of unexpected karma to the story. It appears that Kelsey's openness about his feelings resonated with Swift, who may have been tired of keeping her private life under wraps, especially after her six-year romance with Joe Alwin.
The Swift-Kelsey pairing may seem unconventional, but it's far from ridiculous. Swift's openness in a recent interview marked a departure from her usual privacy, acknowledging herself in an honest light. The genuine support between Swift and Kelsey, contrasted with the reserved nature of her previous relationship, has sparked excitement among fans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-PkL6QM50M
As Swift embraces this new chapter with Travis Kelsey, it's clear that her journey to love continues to be filled with unexpected and delightful surprises. The Taylor Swift universe remains as intriguing as ever, leaving fans eager to witness the next turn in this evolving love story.
She's been sharing photos and videos of herself in the skimpy swimwear set over the past few days.
And on Friday, Britney Spears, 40, slipped back into her yellow thong bikini and showed off her bottom as she danced around in heels for her latest Instagram upload.
In the fun video, the Womanizer hitmaker also wrote that she has 'angst beneath her bones' and is 'raising hell' as her infamous family war rumbles on.
![Wow! Britney Spears, 40, slipped back into her yellow thong bikini and showed off her bottom as she danced around in heels for her latest Instagram upload on Friday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/28/09/53477877-10451553-image-m-55_1643363059054.jpg)
![Work it: She slipped back into her yellow thong bikini and showed off her bottom](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/28/10/53477875-10451553-Work_it_She_slipped_back_into_her_yellow_thong_bikini_and_showed-m-1_1643366838739.jpg)
![Sharing her thoughts: Britney included a long caption alongside the video](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/28/09/53477871-10451553-image-a-58_1643363512373.jpg)
Britney displayed her washboard abs while shaking her hips from side-to-side before facing away from the camera to showcase her pert behind as she continued to pull out her best moves.
She danced around in her triangle bikini set to Mark Ronson's upbeat track - Feel Right featuring Mystikal.
The pop star shielded her eyes with white-rimmed aviator shades and opted to strut her stuff in tan coloured pointed stiletto heels.
Britney included a lengthy caption, which read: 'Part 3 to my yellow bathing suit…. I'm bringing such a delicate feature to the screen this summer … featuring ''my a**'…
![Sizzling: In the fun video, the Womanizer hitmaker displayed her washboard abs while shaking her hips from side-to-side](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/28/09/53478429-10451553-Sizzling_In_the_fun_video_the_Womanizer_hitmaker_displayed_her_w-m-64_1643363709452.jpg)
![Strutting her stuff: Britney opted for tan coloured pointed stiletto heels](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/28/09/53478551-10451553-Strutting_her_stuff_Britney_opted_for_tan_coloured_pointed_stile-m-66_1643363727439.jpg)
![Body confident: She then faced away from the camera to showcase her pert behind as she continued to pull out her best moves](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/28/09/53478433-10451553-Body_confident_She_then_faced_away_from_the_camera_to_showcase_h-m-61_1643363613330.jpg)
'And since most know me so well, this double ray of sunshine might just light up your world with a subtitle called 'apples'!!!
'Because that's the only thing raining on me. I might even make some juice with this flood…
'but with two new animals in my home as I depart for some alone time … I do miss them so much, yet there's an angst beneath my bones that knows there's something else I'm beginning to raise as in rise …
'It's raising hell to a T … so defiant and sharp it puts a splendor up any man's a** 8 feet away, so beckon if you may or cry out with tongue or better yet whisper with one prayer !!!!
'You know why ???? Because raising hell is a departure on all levels. So nice to SHARE and GOD BLESS YOU ALL.'
![Drama! It has been a rough start to 2022 for the the pop icon has been battling her father Jamie Spears after 13 years of her professional and personal life being largely controlled by him](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/28/11/53481487-10451553-image-a-9_1643368720223.jpg)
It has been a rough start to 2022 for the 40-year-old pop icon has been battling her father Jamie Spears as well as her younger sister Jamie Lynn Spears, who has been pushing her new book Things I Should Have Said which details her troublesome relationship with the recording artist.
The pop princess is still celebrating the end of controversial conservatorship after 13 years of her professional and personal life being largely controlled by her father, Jamie Spears.
During what's been described as her fight for freedom, Spears made a series of accusations against her dad, telling a court: 'My dad and anyone involved in this conservatorship and my management who played a key role in punishing me, they should be in jail.'
In return, Spears' father has requested her medical records be made public.
![Before they all fell out: From left, patriarch Jamie Spears, Bryan Spears, Jamie-Lynn Spears, Britney Spears and Lynne Spears seen in Baton Rouge in 2003](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/28/11/53315195-10451553-Before_they_all_fell_out_From_left_patriarch_Jamie_Spears_Bryan_-a-3_1643368071793.jpg)
The singer's conservatorship still has a legal battle is in place over the details of the completion of the agreement and at a hearing on Wednesday, lawyers acting for Jamie Spears requested all records relating to the case be unsealed so people can hear the 'truth', arguing the public had a 'right to know'.
But Britney's lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, branded the request 'offensive' and 'highly inappropriate', insisting Jamie was only keen to save his own reputation.
He added: 'We don't think a father who loves his daughter would file to unseal her medical records.'
Jamie's lawyer, Alex Weingarten, had argued it was hard to get their side of the story heard thanks to Britney's social media platform and her lawyer's media presence, telling the judge: 'The problem is we are fighting with our hands behind our back.'
![Ugly sister feud: Britney has also been feuding with her younger sister Jamie Lynn, who used to be on the TV show Zoey 101. Seen in 2003](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/28/11/53315021-10451553-Ugly_sister_feud_Britney_has_also_been_feuding_with_her_younger_-a-5_1643368115911.jpg)
![Britney is not happy about this book: She slammed Jamie Lynn as 'f***ing hateful' and a 'selfish little brat' in a post](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/28/11/53315023-10451553-Britney_is_not_happy_about_this_book_She_slammed_Jamie_Lynn_as_f-a-6_1643368115919.jpg)
Judge Brenda Penny ruled to seal the conservatorship termination plan, citing the singer's 'right to privacy over her private medical information' and also denied a request to put a hold on conservatorship funds.
The three-hour hearing saw some explosive confrontations between the lawyers, with Weingarten accusing Rosengart of planting false stories, such as claimed Jamie was aware of secret surveillance watching over his daughter.
After Rosengart insisted there was 'strong evidence' Jamie - who served as co-conservator of Britney's affairs - had been involved in 'very intense and potentially illegal' surveillance over the star, his fellow lawyer said: 'Virtually everything that is alleged is demonstratively false or taken out of context.'
Britney's legal representative exclaimed: 'Lies!. He should be admonished. He has attacked me. He has attacked this court. And it is intolerable,' to which Weingarten then shouted back: 'It didn't happen!'
The judge insisted she wouldn't deal with the surveillance row until another hearing on 27 July, while another court date was set for 16 March to tackle Rosengart's objections to attorney fees requested by lawyers acting for Britney''s mother, Lynne Spears.
The lawyers are also locked in a dispute as to whether or not the 'Circus' singer must foot the legal bills incurred by Jamie when he was in charge of her finances.
Another hearing needs to be scheduled to tackle issues with Britney's former business management company, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment, quashing subpoenas served by the singer's legal team, who accused the firm of 'stonewalling' attempts to obtain information on behalf of the pop star.
![She's got moves: Earlier this week, Britney appeared on Instagram in the tiny yellow plaid bikini and danced to the tune of Calvin Harris' How Deep Is Your Love](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/26/03/53378415-10442117-image-a-42_1643166836824.jpg)
Britney has also been feuding with her younger sister Jamie Lynn, who used to be on the TV show Zoey 101. She slammed Jamie Lynn as 'f***ing hateful' and a 'selfish little brat' in a post.
The star - who regained control of her assets after the conservatorship governed by her family was terminated in November 2021 - took to Instagram to slam Jamie Lynn for saying her decision to buy their mother a house after she had made it big in the music industry was 'a f***ing weird thing to do.'
Britney wrote: 'You selfish little brat!!! Saying how weird and dumb it was that I had bought a house for Mamma !!! She was so proud and you told that interview girl that it was just weird … LIKE I GUESS I WILL JUST WALK IN THESE HALLS … Why did you say that ??? .'
Britney then went on to accuse Jamie Lynn of being 'f****** hateful towards their mother - who divorced from their father Jamie in 2002 - as she continued her tirade.
She said: 'My mouth was on the floor the way you talked back to Mamma when I came home … Shocked out of my lined !!!!!! You were f****ng hateful to her and I know Mamma had been lazy with me but I'm sorry you deserved WAY MORE than a purse knocked at you by Mamma … She should have WHIPPED YOUR A** …
'Poor Mamma took it too just like I did in the end. She worshipped you too much I know but if you came out of my stomach, I would have popped the s--t out of your little a**.'
Jamie Lynn then spoke up, saying Britney's lashings have caused her to get death threats.
The performer has been embroiled in a feud with her sister in recent weeks, which came about when Jamie Lynn was promoting her new book Things I Should Have Said' and accused told Nightline that Britney had 'locked [her] in a room with a knife', claim Britney has repeatedly denied.
She said: 'And why watching your at length interview … Really 2 HOURS or more ????? And the topic about the knife which is ironically the only lie you've ever told in your whole life … Why is that conversation 20 min ??? and the most degrading to me … OH BUT you don't want to keep talking about it because you don't want to HURT ANYBODY'S feelings …'
![Favourite: Though she's since changed the caption, she originally remarked that her bikini was from Target and that it used to be her 'favourite'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/26/03/53378413-10442117-image-m-43_1643166842489.jpg)