10 Shocking Moments And Triumphs: Inside Miley Cyrus's Unforgettable Legacy On Saturday Night Live (Updated 2025)
Contents
Miley Cyrus: A Profile of the SNL Veteran
Miley Ray Cyrus (born Destiny Hope Cyrus) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who has consistently redefined her artistry and image, making her a lightning rod for cultural conversation. She is the daughter of country music icon Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus.- Full Name: Destiny Hope Cyrus (Legally changed to Miley Ray Cyrus)
- Born: November 23, 1992
- Hometown: Franklin, Tennessee, U.S.
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Television Personality
- Notable Albums: *Bangerz* (2013), *Younger Now* (2017), *Plastic Hearts* (2020), *Endless Summer Vacation* (2023)
- Early Career Breakthrough: Starring as the title character in the Disney Channel series *Hannah Montana* (2006–2011)
- SNL Debut: March 5, 2011 (Musical Guest)
- SNL Double-Duty Appearances: Multiple times, serving as both Host and Musical Guest in the same episode.
- Recent Major SNL Appearance: *SNL 50: Homecoming Concert* (February 2025)
The Evolution of Miley’s SNL History: From Controversy to Icon
Miley Cyrus's tenure on *Saturday Night Live* is best viewed as a chronological mirror of her own artistic evolution, from the remnants of her Disney past to her rock-infused and self-assured modern era. Her appearances are not just performances; they are cultural checkpoints.The *Bangerz* Era: Hosting and Musical Guest Double-Duty
Miley’s first major splash came on October 5, 2013, when she pulled the difficult "double-duty" of hosting and serving as the musical guest for the first time. This appearance followed the massive, culture-shifting success of her album *Bangerz* and the infamous MTV Video Music Awards performance. The episode was a crucial moment for Miley to control her own narrative. She directly addressed her controversial image in a self-aware monologue, even using a sketch to poke fun at the intense media scrutiny.Iconic Sketch: "We Did Stop (The Government)"
One of the most memorable moments from this period was the pre-filmed music video parody, "We Did Stop (The Government)," a spoof of her hit single "We Can't Stop." The sketch satirized the 2013 U.S. government shutdown, featuring Miley playing a twerking Michele Bachmann alongside Taran Killam’s John Boehner. This cemented her willingness to engage in political satire.The Season 41 Premiere and The *Plastic Hearts* Era
Miley returned to host the Season 41 premiere on October 3, 2015. Demonstrating her commitment to the show’s format, her monologue was a unique musical tribute to the summer’s biggest newsmakers. Cast members played figures like Josh Duggar and Donald Trump, setting a political tone for the season. In 2020, she returned as a musical guest to promote her rock-and-roll-inspired album, *Plastic Hearts*. Her performances of the title track and a powerful cover of The Cranberries’ "Zombie" showcased her vocal power and new rock aesthetic, distancing her further from her pop past.The Recurring "Miley Cyrus Show"
A key element of her early SNL legacy was the recurring sketch "The Miley Cyrus Show," which ironically featured cast member Vanessa Bayer playing a caricature of Miley. The real Miley eventually joined the sketch, often playing other characters like Justin Bieber, while Bayer’s version humorously interviewed celebrity guests like Nick Nolte (played by Jeff Bridges). This meta-comedy was a fan favorite.The Ultimate Tribute: Miley Cyrus at SNL 50 (2025)
The most current and significant chapter in Miley Cyrus’s SNL story is her appearance at the *SNL 50: Homecoming Concert*, held in February 2025. This event celebrated the show’s five-decade history and featured a blockbuster lineup of former hosts, cast members, and musical guests, including Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, and Lady Gaga. Miley’s performance was a major highlight, showcasing her Grammy-winning status and her deep connection to the show's creator, Lorne Michaels.The Emotional "Flowers" Dedication
During the concert, Miley performed her global smash hit, "Flowers," from her album *Endless Summer Vacation*. Before launching into the song, she took a moment to express her heartfelt gratitude, declaring, “I love you, Lorne Michaels,” and dedicating the song to the show’s founder. This dedication was a powerful gesture, underscoring the role SNL has played in her career. It transformed a chart-topping anthem of self-love into a public tribute to the man who gave her a consistent platform for reinvention.A Rock and Roll Showcase with The Roots
Beyond her solo hit, Miley also participated in a high-energy tribute to the band Queen, performing "This Crazy Little Thing Called Love." She was backed by the legendary hip-hop band and frequent SNL collaborators, The Roots. This collaboration highlighted her versatility and her ability to command the stage alongside music legends. Her choice of attire—a sleek black tuxedo floor-length gown—was a sophisticated nod to the formal importance of the 50th-anniversary event, a stark contrast to the more provocative outfits of her earlier SNL appearances.Miley Cyrus’s Enduring SNL Legacy and Topical Authority
Miley Cyrus has appeared on *Saturday Night Live* in various capacities nine times, a remarkable feat for a non-cast member. Her continued presence has made her a crucial thread in the fabric of modern SNL.A Platform for Reinvention
SNL has consistently served as a safe space for Miley to introduce new eras of her career. Her 2013 performance of "Wrecking Ball" was raw and emotional, while her 2021 performance with The Kid LAROI for "Without You" showed her supportive side for emerging artists. She has used the show to transition from *Hannah Montana* to pop icon, and then to a rock powerhouse.The Double-Duty Challenge
Hosting and being the musical guest is notoriously difficult, requiring an artist to learn lines, participate in rehearsals, and perform two high-stakes musical sets. Miley has mastered this, joining an elite group of performers who have successfully navigated the dual role, further cementing her topical authority within the show's history. The relationship between Miley Cyrus and *Saturday Night Live* is a perfect example of a symbiotic partnership: the show gives her a stage for cultural commentary and musical evolution, and she, in turn, delivers the high ratings and unforgettable moments that keep the show relevant. Her appearance at the SNL 50 special in 2025, culminating in a dedication to Lorne Michaels, confirms her status not just as a frequent guest, but as an integral part of the SNL family.Detail Author:
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