{
  "id": 6115968,
  "title": "#SHOWBIZ: Just Miley: Pop icon drops 'Cyrus' surname ahead of bold new era",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/showbiz-just-miley-pop-icon-drops-cyrus-surname-ahead-of-bold-new-era",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T07:00:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/09/1527542/showbiz-just-miley-pop-icon-drops-cyrus-surname-ahead-bold-new-era"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "American pop sensation Miley Cyrus has sparked speculation among fans after she removed her surname from all social media accounts, performing now as simply Miley. This change occurred the day prior to the singer's announcement of her upcoming 10th studio album, Bass Persuades, set to release on September 18. The 33-year-old artist's decision signifies another step in her journey to redefine her identity, alongside evolving musical and personal transformations.\n\nMiley unveiled a striking new profile photo, featuring herself illuminated in red light and clad in a Saint Laurent faux-fur coat, exuding a more glamorous, dramatic aura. The album reveal was complemented by an artwork image of Miley wearing heavy makeup with a white rose covering her mouth. In an Instagram post, she elaborated on the significance of music as a powerful medium to convey emotions and experiences, stating, \"Music moves us. We feel it, sing it, dance to it, and process it before moving on.\"\n\nThe forthcoming Bass Persuades follows her 2023 album, Endless Summer Vacation, which included chart-topping hits like \"Flowers,\" \"Jaded,\" and \"Used To Be Young.\" The lead single \"Flowers\" marked one of her greatest career achievements, topping global charts and setting streaming records, cementing her status as a leading pop star in her generation. Cyrus' career has seen numerous stylistic and musical shifts since her Disney Channel days as Hannah Montana. Known for her fearless experimentation across music, fashion, and live performances, she consistently reinvents herself throughout different stages of life.\n\nIn her latest statement to Wonderland magazine, Miley revealed that her new album centers on love stories, exploring various emotional layers and personal experiences. Reflecting on the theme of peaceful love, including self-love, she emphasized that learning to know, accept, and appreciate herself has profoundly influenced her music and worldview. Cyrus and her rock musician boyfriend, Maxx Morando, announced their engagement in December after dating for over four years, with their relationship blossoming since 2021.\n\nAlthough Miley has become more private about her personal life compared to her earlier career, she is currently navigating an emotional period following the recent loss of her idol and godmother, country music legend Dolly Parton. The couple shared a deep bond built on a shared passion for music. As she prepares to launch her new album, Miley continues to redefine her identity and image, leaving fans curious about the reasons behind her decision to drop her surname from social media. Regardless of the motivation, Miley is undoubtedly entering a bold new chapter in her musical career with the forthcoming Bass Persuades. The album will be followed by two performances at the Hollywood Bowl on October 16 and 18, providing fans with their first live experiences of the new material.",
  "summary": "LOS ANGELES: American pop star Miley Cyrus has left fans speculating after dropping her surname from all social media platforms, opting to perform under the mononym 'Miley'.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}