Miley Cyrus Embraces Her Raspy Edge: The Real Reason Behind That Distinct Voice
Okay, but like… why is everyone buzzing about Miley’s gravelly tones? The pop star finally opened up about the medical quirk behind her signature raspy voice—spoiler alert: it’s not a diva affectation, it’s acid reflux flaring up on her vocal cords. In a recent interview with Variety (March 2024), Cyrus confirmed that chronic laryngopharyngeal reflux has caused swelling and irritation around her vocal folds. Instead of opting for surgery or Botox, she’s leaning into the rasp that fans know and love.
Miley first noticed the irritation during the Younger Now era, but it really became a talking point on her “Plastic Hearts” tour in 2021. She started feeling that familiar burn after belting those high notes night after night. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic (via People Magazine, April 2024) offered her surgical fixes, but Cyrus balked at the idea of losing her unique edge. “I like my voice,” she told Rolling Stone. “I don’t wanna sound like everybody else.”
To keep her pipes in check, Miley’s team recommended lifestyle tweaks—think reflux-friendly diet, nightly proton-pump inhibitors, and targeted voice therapy sessions with a specialist at the American Academy of Otolaryngology. She’s also swapped spicy burritos for grilled veggies before shows and strictly avoids late-night champagne to quell the acid upheaval. Live Nation insiders say she’s even carrying a travel-sized water humidifier on tour. That dedication hasn’t sacrificed her stage presence; her fans rave that the vulnerability in her rasp only amplifies the emotion in songs like “Wrecking Ball” and “Midnight Sky.”
Critics have pointed out that preserving an imperfect instrument is a bold move in an era of overproduced auto-tuned vocals. Rolling Stone’s latest cover story argued that Cyrus is subtly leading a trend of artists embracing raw, unfiltered performance. Meanwhile, medical experts emphasize that unmanaged reflux can risk long-term damage. But Miley’s approach—balancing treatment without silencing her grit—has become a blueprint for other vocalists wary of losing authenticity.
Beyond the vocal news, Cyrus hinted at new music exploring themes of resilience and honesty, so expect more tracks that lean into that husky timbre. In other words, don’t be shocked if her next album kicks off with a slow ballad built around that gorgeously bruised tone.
Anyway, that’s the lowdown on Miley’s voice. Do with it what you will—just don’t ask her to lose the rasp any time soon.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Rolling Stone, Variety, American Academy of Otolaryngology
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
