Wait. Did you catch it?
The morning coffee was barely kicking in when Miley Cyrus basically took over the Plaza. If you were scrolling through your feed last week and saw those blurry snippets of a blonde blowout and a Saint Laurent suit, you weren't dreaming.
Miley Cyrus Today Show appearances used to be about the spectacle—the tongues, the foam fingers, the "can you believe she did that?" factor. But 2026 Miley? She’s a different beast entirely. She’s legacy. She’s the person who just dropped Something Beautiful and somehow made us all care about progressive pop in a way that feels visceral.
The air in Rockefeller Center was different this time. Cold. Sharp. Electric.
The Performance Nobody Saw Coming
Honestly, most people expected a standard "Flowers" rehash. We love the hits, right? But Miley doesn't do "standard" anymore. She walked onto that stage to promote the deluxe version of her ninth studio album, and instead of the usual high-energy pop choreography, she gave us something that felt like a private session in a Nashville basement.
She performed "Secrets."
If you haven't heard it yet, it’s the track featuring Mick Fleetwood and Lindsey Buckingham. Yeah, that Fleetwood Mac. On the Today Show, she stripped it back. No backing tracks. No pitch correction. Just that raspy, gravel-pit voice that sounds like it’s lived a thousand lives.
She told Hoda Kotb that the song was a "white flag of surrender." It’s a peace offering to her father, Billy Ray. They’ve been through it—the 2022 divorce, the public estrangement, the silence. Watching her sing those lyrics on live TV felt like eavesdropping on a family therapy session.
"Forgiveness and freedom are one and the same," she said, leaning into the mic.
It wasn’t just a PR stunt. Her dad actually cried when she sent him the track for his birthday. You don’t get that kind of honesty in pop music often. Usually, it's all polished edges and "I'm doing great, thanks for asking." Miley? She’s messy. She’s real.
Why 2026 is the Year of Miley
It's weird to think she’s 33 now. She’s been in our living rooms since she was what, twelve?
The Miley Cyrus Today Show buzz isn't just about the music, though. It's the "Hannah Montana" of it all. 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the show that started the madness. There are rumors of a massive event in March. Re-recorded songs. Maybe even a reunion.
She told the Today crew that "without Hannah, there really wouldn't be this kind of this me." It's a pivot from a few years ago when she seemed desperate to kill that character off. Now, she’s embracing the glitter and the wig. It’s growth. It’s realizing you don’t have to burn your past to build a future.
The Elephant in the Room: The Visual Album
We have to talk about Something Beautiful.
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Some critics called it a "flop" because it didn't have five Number 1 singles immediately. Whatever. They’re missing the point. It’s a visual album inspired by Pink Floyd’s The Wall. It’s weird. It’s loud. It’s about healing.
During the interview, she touched on something most stars won't admit: the "dopamine crash."
She’s been vocal about why she isn't touring 100 cities this year. It "erases her humanity." She wants to stay sober. She wants to stay sane. Seeing her on the Today Show, standing firm in her boundaries while still delivering a powerhouse vocal, was a masterclass in how to be a celebrity in 2026 without losing your soul.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her New Era
People think she’s "calmed down."
Wrong.
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She’s just channeled the fire. She’s not swinging on wrecking balls, but she is co-writing songs for Avatar: Fire and Ash (the Golden Globe nomination for "Dream as One" was well-deserved, by the way). She’s becoming the "reliable act" of show business. The person who shows up, hits the note, and tells you the truth even if it’s uncomfortable.
She’s also dealing with some heavy physical stuff. Last year, she had a knee infection that almost derailed the visual album. She’s had health scares. But on that stage last week, she looked invincible.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Listeners
If you’re looking to dive deeper into this version of Miley after that Today Show set, here’s how to actually experience the work:
- Watch the Visual Film: Don't just stream the album on Spotify. The Something Beautiful film is where the narrative actually makes sense. It's cinematic and explains the transition from the Endless Summer Vacation era.
- Listen to "Secrets" with Headphones: The interplay between her vocals and the Fleetwood/Buckingham instrumentals is subtle. You'll miss the textures on a phone speaker.
- Follow the 20th Anniversary News: Keep an eye on the official Disney+ announcements for March 2026. The "Hannah Montana" event is shaping up to be more than just a nostalgia trip—it’s a full-circle musical moment.
- Check Out "Dream as One": If you only know her radio hits, this orchestral track shows a completely different side of her range.
Miley Cyrus on the Today Show wasn't just another stop on a press tour. It was a declaration. She’s at peace with the girl she was, the woman she is, and the legend she’s clearly becoming. And honestly? It’s about time.
Next Steps for You
To get the full picture of Miley's current sound, you should track down the live recording of "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" featuring Dolly Parton, which just dropped. It bridges that gap between her country roots and her current progressive pop style perfectly.