Miley Cyrus calls out mom Tish Cyrus for orchestrating 2009 Teen Choice Awards pole dance

In a conversation with her sister Brandi, Miley reflects her rise to fame and the impact of her family's influence.

Miley Cyrus recently revisited one of the most talked-about moments in her career—the controversial pole dance performance at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards. At just 16 years old, Miley performed her hit song “Party in the USA” while incorporating a metal pole mounted on an ice cream cart, sparking widespread backlash at the time.

In a candid conversation with her sister Brandi Cyrus for Spotify's Billions Club podcast on November 22, Miley, now 32, revealed a surprising source behind the infamous moment—her mother, Tish Cyrus.

“Do you know whose idea that was?” Miley asked Brandi, 37, during their discussion. When Brandi guessed their mom, Miley confirmed with a laugh, “Yup, that was my mom’s idea. So she always lets me take the blame. When I got in trouble the next day, you know who was nowhere to be found? Tish Cyrus.”

Despite the controversy, Miley shared that the performance left a different lasting impression on her. “The thing I remember most about that performance,” she said, “was it was the first time I ever wore real diamond jewelry on stage. So, while you guys remember the ice cream truck, I remember the diamonds.”

The Cyrus Family Dynamics

Miley’s reflection comes amid a period of nostalgia and family revelations for the Cyrus clan. Tish, now married to Prison Break actor Dominic Purcell, has opened up about raising her children alongside Miley’s meteoric rise to fame. On the November 24 episode of Sibling Revelry with Kate and Oliver Hudson, Tish discussed the family’s journey, noting that her other children, Trace, Brandi, Braison, and Noah, have largely embraced their unique experiences.

“Trace told me recently, ‘I’ve never been jealous of Miley. I’ve always been grateful for the opportunities I get because of her,’” Tish said.

However, not all family bonds have remained unscathed. Miley and her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, have reportedly faced tension since his divorce from Tish and subsequent marriage to Australian singer Firerose in 2023. Sources suggest that Miley’s relationship with her father has been strained, although Billy Ray maintains there are "no hard feelings."

Looking Back and Moving Forward

The Cyrus family has seen significant changes over the years, including Miley’s shift from Disney star to global pop icon. Reflecting on her journey, Miley has attributed much of her success to her ability to move past controversies like the Teen Choice Awards performance.

While Miley continues to make waves in music, her family remains a focal point of public interest. With Tish’s new marriage and Billy Ray’s evolving relationships, the Cyrus legacy is one of resilience, reinvention, and undeniable talent.