Miley Cyrus May Need a Long Look in the Mirror
Really, Miley? Are you serious? If you really think country music "feels contrived," as you said in this Parade interview, maybe you need to take a good long look in the mirror. Country music put you where you are, sweetheart. If it was not for country music, then the year 1992, when you were born, would've had no "Achy Breaky Heart." Your dad would not have built a multi-million dollar empire with which to fund your stardom. And the world would've been a very dull place without your dad and the country albums he released after his outstanding debut, Some Gave All.
So before you go off claiming that country music "feels contrived on so many levels," you probably should've listened to some of your dad's records, the most recent one being last year's Back to Tennessee. Does that feel contrived on so many levels? Or are those songs a collection of true feelings about the power of love and home and family? You say that "unless you're wearing a cowboy hat and cowboy boots and singing and whining about your girlfriend or boyfriend leaving you it's not going to sell." To that I say, ask Carrie Underwood what she thinks of that theory. She has no boots, no hat, and her latest single is about heaven, not boyfriends. You also say, "I think that's why my dad finally got out of it. You have to wear those cowboy boots and be sweet as pie. It makes me nervous, the politics of it all." So THAT'S all it takes to sell country records? Well, thank you, Miley Cyrus, for defining the success model for the music industry.
No one is suggesting that you start up a country career. By all means, keep doing that pop thing you're doing. "Party in the U.S.A." was so not contrived.
Photo credit: Scott Gries/Getty Images
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
S says:
For once I completely agree with Alison!
Annie Plante says:
Great job Alison! Some Gave All was a great album. Miley is not even a singer in my opinion…. sorry!
LeAnn says:
To repeat what S said, for once I agree with you, Alison.
GalPal says:
You said it Alison! Go away Miley-
Zack says:
I actually have to agree with Alison this time. Country music is SO much more than “wearing a cowboy hat and cowboy boots and singing and whining about your girlfriend or boyfriend leaving you” (just listen to “Pancho and Lefty”). And in country music, you do not have to be “as sweet as pie” (case in point, David Allan Coe).
It’s just only those who feel the need to treat country music as nothing but a popularity contest and a source of income (i.e. Taylor, Jessica Simpson, Julianne Hough) that shouldn’t be doing it at all in the first place.
And I don’t care what anybody says, but I believe Miley makes a WHOLE hell of a lot better country singer than Taylor will EVER be. Actually, between the two, only Miley can really carry a tune in a bucket. And personally, I would LOVE to hear her cover an old Highway 101 song.
Katie says:
Thank you for that! I like a couple songs by Billy Ray and Miley, but I think country is good enough without them, considering it’s the least contrived of all other genres.
GoCubsGo says:
And breakup songs aren’t part of top 40 music, or any other genre besides country for that matter? Okay…
Huh? says:
Positive comments about her get deleted? What the hell? Geez, it’s not like she name dropped Taylor.
kHiRmAn says:
That was just Miley’s opinion.I thought that everyone has a right to speak..Youshouldnt be so mean to her.
kHiRmAn says:
and why the hell did the positive comments about miley get deleted?!what the hell is arong with you people.She doesnt lie like other popstars shes telling u her opinion.first u people think shes pregnant,then its pole dancing and what next??that shes gonna elope with liam??geeeeeeeez y wont u people leave her alone?
Huh? says:
Also, she’s talking about the current scene. I doubt she was lumping her father in. It seems like she was defending her father, who it seems was bashed for doing exactly what Taylor has done, bridging the gap between country and pop.
cmf says:
Since when is anything Miley Cyrus has to say important?
Aussie says:
I think sometimes she doesn’t think when she talks, and things might not come out the way she intended it to..
Claudia says:
Alison, thank you. This article scoped not only Miley but
many others looking for a ticket to money. Country has always been where the heart is, so if the heart is not there move out and move on.
mae says:
i Agree with Zack. I don’t like what Miley is becoming as a person but she can sing a hella of better than taylor, hell I can sing better than taylor
Jen says:
Well, I just wonder what prompted all the bitterness towards country music. Is she jealous of Taylor?
Robin says:
kHiRmAn - Of course Miley has the right to her opinion. SO DOES Alison. This time Alison’s opinion matches mine. Miley has the right to speak her mind and everyone else has the right to speak theirs about what she said. Is this “it’s her right” thing only one way?
And, by the way, Miley was never country anyway, she was just trying to make a buck off of two genres. While Taylor may not be a good singer, she’s at least country (compare her songs to the current pop rock top 40). Whether anyone likes it or not, her songs are about life, teenage girl life. It’s not all dancing, partying and partying with NO substance. I will say that her music is juvenile, but for juvenile music, it has substance. Well, some of it anyway - I could have done without “Love Story”.
She also said she doesn’t watch TV or relate to young girls. She’s slapping EVERYTHING in the face that has made her famous. So, why doesn’t she go to college and get a job so SHE isn’t so contrived and leave music to artists?
Bailey says:
i never liked her well if she says country mudic like that stay away from it shes just jealous of taylor because taylor is better then her mann now really dont like her!!!!
Vera says:
Why did Alison delete my positive comment about Miley?!
Props to Miley for standing up to herself, if only Taylor Swift can take a CUE from her and tell her HATERS to BACK OFF.
Robin says:
Vera - Miley isn’t “standing up for herself”, country music and little girls didn’t do anything to her except give her a career. She should learn to be gracious.
jess123 says:
IF she doesn’t want to be in country music well then country music is better off without her. We don’t need another teenage singer that doesn’t even know how to sing(taylor)contry music is just fine the way it is.Also if she thinks contry is contrived then why in the hell did she do the Hannah Montana movie.
Miranda says:
I am not at all country but i love county music and i know that it isn’t all about boots and hats or breakups I’ve heard plenty of county music that has nothing to with boyfriends or girlfriends. Why did she do the Hannah Montana movie?? Miley is just turning into all the other wild stars she doesn’t know what shes talking about shes such a hypocrite.
Miranda says:
Miley is not a good singer anyway anybody can sing like that
buckstorm says:
Alison, by the tone of your story it sounds like Miley hit a nerve. Most of today’s country music is contrived; songs with little or no soul written in cubicles between the hours of 9:00 and 4:00 with an hour off for lunch. Achy Breaky Heart was/is contrived. A bad song made popular by a dance craze with the aggressive backing of the record company’ marketing department and budget. Asking Carrie Underwood about Miley’s theory of country music or what is country music? Come on Alison, what do you or Carrie Underwood know about country music other than what CMT and the record company marketing people tell you. Sounds like Miley a least has a opinion.
timcun says:
Jen, even though I’m not a Taylor fan I do believe that Miley is jealous of Taylor and her success. I personally don’t think that Miley wants to be in Country music because she knows that she would have to take a backseat to Taylor and her inflated ego couldn’t handle it.
***
bkb says:
this little girl, like many of the youngsters think they know it all after doing a few songs and a disney tv show.they do not know how hard it was for reba and many others to make it in this business, they should be thankful they even have a career. it’s for sure they didn’t work for years to make it and then seem to think they know it all.
James says:
In ten years, she will be singing country music trying to save her dying career! just give it time!
Joe says:
I’ve never liked Miley Cyrus. She can’t sing or act. Just jelous of Taylor imo.
Kathy says:
I have never thought that Miley was country or a good singer. She was jut taking advantage of what her dad could give her…now she evidently thinks she is so big she doesn’t need Country Music or him. Watch out Miley… you might not be as big or good as you think!
Devin says:
I love you CMT, you’re my hero.
Megh says:
I could not agree more. Miley couldn’t be anymore wrong. Look at Rodney Atkins. He does not wear a cowboy hat. He made it very clear that cowboy hats weren’t for him. Instead he chose a ball cap. And for the “sweet as pie” comment. . . Really now? Look at Blake Shelton, or Toby Keith. Those are two men who will say what they feel. Sweet or not.
Miley just needs to get off this cloud she is on, and come back down to Earth. I have never liked her, nor will I ever like her. This just gives me all the more reason.
ALJID says:
buckstorm, IMHO Carrie Underwood is more country than all of us put together…
buckstorm says:
ALJID, Your comment doesn’t bode well for you or the other posters you align yourself. Do your fellow posters appreciate you lumping them all in with those who know nothing about country music. Carrie Underwood is a pop singer who found it easier market herself and success as a singer in a contrived country pop radio market.
KLAUS says:
Just go away Miley………I never considered you country to begin with…….good ridence
Lady says:
This is a young girl who is trying to be grown up and it just isn’t working. Her parents need to take her in hand and explain things to her. Country music made her Dad and while I have never really thought Billy could sing, as least he never said the things that his daughter has. Without country music Miley would be absolutely no where to be seen and heard. The only reason she was with Disney was because of her father and for no other reason. If she had been an ordinary teenager with ordinary parents, exactly where does she think she would be. Grow up and try to act like a young lady and appreciate what you have because there are many many young kids who would love to be where you are today.
Chrisxx says:
Gee Natalie…oops, I mean Miley. I wish I had been as all-knowing as you and had a multi-millionaire father when I was 18. What IS it with your ilk. Your spoiled, self-centered life is not even close to reality and you go public spouting your “philosophy”. Reminds me of how Natalie Maines ruined a remarkably successful career in one sentence. Wise up!
NOT HAPPY says:
IMO- MILEY AND TAYLOR ARE BOTH SPOILED BRATS, WHO THINK THEY KNOW IT ALL!!! NOT A FAN OF EITHER ONE!
Erin says:
As an artist, especially one whose father was in country music, and one who has had a song on the country charts I think Miley should take a step back and appreciate the genre. Country music is more than cowboy boots/hats, and being sweet as apple pie. It’s more than whining about boyfriends and girlfriends leaving you. It’s about life. Majority of country songs now have such a wide range of topic. If she’d REALLY ever listened to country music, she would realize that.
Miley, 1.) needs to think before she says or does things. It seems to get her into trouble. and 2.) she should really KNOW about something before she goes and has an opinion on it. I don’t think she had a right to judge country music in such a way.
I’m not a fan of her music, but I wouldn’t say it’s contrived, or the only way you can be a pop artist is too make cheesy, produced, upbeat, young adult related songs. Yeah, there are some country songs that whine about relationships lost, and SOME(not all) country artists are “sweet as pie.” But.. aren’t there pop, rock, alternative, and more genres that include the same things?
Stereotyping is a stupid thing.
Kate says:
buckstorm
Your are so funny..oh, and very transparent.
Silver says:
“It scares me, that’s why. It feels contrived on so many levels. Unless you’re wearing a cowboy hat and cowboy boots and singing and whining about your girlfriend or boyfriend leaving you it’s not going to sell. I think that’s why my dad finally got out of it. You have to wear those cowboy boots and be sweet as pie. It makes me nervous, the politics of it all
Ok, well looking at the current Top 10 Country Singles, there is one (’Til Summer Comes Around) maybe two (depending on how you view “Highway 20 Ride”) songs talking about love lost. And of all those artists only two wear cowboy hats (Trace Adkins & Kenny Chesney and his isn’t a normal cowboy hat). I also agree Blake Shelton and Toby Keith sure are not “sweet as pie” and since she states that her dad finally got out of country music then I’m assuming she feels it’s been this way for a long time now. Well I wonder if Reba, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, or even Dolly Parton (Miley’s Godmother) think that country music is contrived. I think maybe what really scares and makes her nervous is that it’s not easy for females in country music, you can’t just put some fluff together, wear very litte and think you will have a long lasting career, you have to work at it.
Ted says:
This little girl is going to fall on her face real soon now since Hannah Montana is over.
Ted says:
Hopefully when she DOES come knocking on Country’s door they will remember these comments she made.
Matthew says:
Several people made the comment that Miley can sing better than Taylor. I have to agree with them, and Miley can’t sing. I would rather listen to a duck fart than to listen to either one of them. Please just make them go away!!!!!
Claire says:
Wow!!! WELL SAID!!!!!
i really love miley but those comments were below the belt. you have put it exactly right. hope she sees this!!! haha.
Redmaz says:
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,It seems the only people supporting this bloggers opinion are themselves supporters, promoters and defenders of Pop Culture and the Pop Industry. Cyrus’ statement was a direct attack on the Pop Country industry and she’s absolutely right. Not only is it contrived, it has no respect for the music of the legends and established artists. Country Music didn’t get Miley were she’s at, the Pop industry did.. Achy Breaky Heart and Billy Ray Cyrus are one of the most blatant examples of contrivance in Pop Music history. However, Billy Ray is one of the very few to have overcome this by taking advantage of his situation. Most of the hundreds of acts like this who’s musical dreams are destroyed by the Pop industry end up in the “Where are they now” category. He took this opportunity, and developed his daughter into something that took advantage of the industry and it’s fans(with a lack of talent no less. which makes it even better). Maybe as a payback for all who’s lives and careers were destroyed by Pop Culture and the industry. I also see that many of the Cyrus bashers and Alison supporters on this blog are the very ones who complain continuously about Pop Country.(too much Swift, Underwood fans bashing Swift, and vise versa, same people being nominated for the Pop Country awards all the time etc, same few people on the radio.) This type of complaining are on these blogs everyday. So when one in a thousand can turn the tables and take advantage of the Pop industry, the Pop Culture supporters attack her. A perfect example of hypocrisy from all the mainstreamers on this blogsite..
To Zach,you actually believe Miley Cyrus was refering to the late Townes Van Zandt(Poncho and Lefty)? Or David Alan Coe? When was the last time Coe had a Pop Country hit? She is obviously talking about today’s Pop Country music scene, and the industry, not Americana/Roots artists…and to “huh”, since Pop is NOT an individual genre of music, there is no bridging the gap between “country and pop”. That makes no sense. Most people here have no idea about basic music fundamentals, and to the rest of you that do and still support the industry for what they do to many artists, I find it disgusting. Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus turned the table on the Pop industry and it’s supporters. Good job…..
……………..
Shadow says:
Aww yes, it must be Spring. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the mainstreamers are complaining even more than usual.
Well said Red. The pop world, whether it be kidz pop, pop country, or any of the other industry formats, is all about money, promotion and publicity. Fine example right here. Just look at all the publicity and talk she’s getting over a few remarks.
Time to move on now, and listen to some music that I like. My side hurts from laughing so hard. Mainstreamers never disappoint.
Jair Nunes says:
Alison, I agree with you plenamento.
Joey says:
You rock Redmaz!!!
Pat Moore says:
I can relate to her statement because some of the young
singers, do think being a Country Music is putting a Cowboy hat on and they can be another George Strait, Kenny
Chesney, (to name a few). No one can sing an original song
like the original one. I don’t like what Taylor Swift, has turned into but there are ones who do I just turn her music
off every time I hear her. To me Carrie Underwood is best thing out of “American IDol’. I c an listen to Carrie all day long because she has a voice all her own.
Lindsey says:
OK i agree with everyone about that Miley shouldn’t have said all of this, but everyone who has been trashing taylor swift…..BACK OFF!!!!!!!!!!! she is a young girl who has an amazing talent in song writing. she writes her feelings, while many other singers, try and pull off singing songs that are handed to them, and mean nothing to the singer herself. Taylor is one of the greatest inspirations and role models for young girls who dream. Taylor is not the greatest singer but oh well. i bet half of you who wrote insulting things towards taylor cant sing either. taylor writes her feelings and expresses them very well. she also send a great message! “in you life you’ll do things greater than dating the boy on the football team” thats telling all the young girls that when they fall head over heals for a guy, not to dream and love him too much because in most cases it wont last forever. also her song best day is in amazing appreciation for her parents. Taylor has an amazing collection of songs she writes on her own, so everyone leave taylor alone because she is one of the most outstanding young girl country singers in america. so people leave her alone!!!!!!!!!!! <3
BIG E says:
miley is not a singer anyway
BIG E says:
miley need to go back sing for the little kids but i do like Billy Ray
Lindsey says:
and btw i know everything there is to know about taylor swift, and i am her number one fan (i am 19) and my mom, my dad, and i love her! we have always loved and leanred about country music so we know what we are talking about! country is about god, family, country, and love so taylor fits perfecting in those 4 categories. she sings and writes throughouly on those topics. bottom line is……..
LEAVE TAYLOR SWIFT ALONE CAUSE SHE IS AN AMAZING BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED YOUNG WOMAN! LOVE YOU TAYLOR!!! <3333
Silver says:
Talking about cowboy hats and boots, in terms of her comment, does anyone else think it’s funny that when Billy Ray first hit the scene he wore sneakers and no hat yet found commercial success, but later on when he had less commercial success he started working a cowboy hat at times?
Vera says:
Taylor Swift Haters need to BACK OFF. Country people deserve artiste like MILEY, she ain’t AFRAID to speak her MIND. Taylor is too Good for them (Country). Taylor should do me a Favour by kicking HATERS to the CURB..
Lindsey says:
exactly vera! taylor is amazing so haters go away
S says:
If Taylor is too good for Country then she can leave. No one’s stopping her.
Lindsey says:
but she isnt TOO good for country. country is where she belongs so stop hating and let her be who she wants. stop pushing her away
homeslice says:
Isn’t she just basically saying what most of you are always saying under Taylor Swift blogs? It’s too commercial, a cowboy hat and boots don’t make you country, etc. That’s what I’m always seeing.
Robin says:
Lindsey - Taylor isn’t a “young girl”. She’s a grown woman. She needs to start singing like one.
ann says:
come on people leave her alone, everyone has there own opinion , freedom of speech!!! she is good for country music, i have listen to country music for years, so just back off, instead of putting people down like miley go do something else, your all just jealous!!!!
jess123 says:
Miley says that all country singers sing about is boyfriends or girlfreinds. So what about her songs in the movie The Last Song. Also taylor needs to grow up i mean she needs to start singing about something eles than boy meets girl or highschool she is out of highschool and she needs to mature and also show it in the music. that boy meets girl and highschool songs are getting old. She is no longer a teenage she is a women and needs to start acting like one too.
Trish says:
Thank you Alison - Thank you CMT
tommy says:
MILEY–MILEY—MILEY— BACK TO TENN JUST LIKE YOUR MOVIE
christy says:
where would you be if not for country music, just another kid wishing to be know!!!!!!!!!!! Think hard miley
TahoeSunshine says:
Someone’s getting too big for her britches! I agree with several posters who think Miley is jealous of Taylor’s success.
Lindsey says:
That’s exactly right! Miley is jelous of Taylor because Taylor took the right road down country music. Miley turned the wrong way and is trying to come back so she can do something with her career but sweetie i hate to brake it to ya…..it isnt working!!!! And yes she isnt a young girl, but taylor is NOT a full grown woman yet. she just turned 20 and i am 19 and i am certainly not a woman. she is a young lady singing what she feels and writes amazing songs so please leave her alone! Love you taylor!!
mary says:
well i think she has a right to speak how she fills. i also think the girl can sing her butt off. she will do fine with or without singing country music!!!
John Fitzpatrick says:
I would like to get the full text of the interview where Miley made these comments before making any judgements about what she said. Many of these singers make comments about country music. Maybe it is because they really do care about the Genre and are trying to make it better. These bloggers seem to have a bad habit of misquoting what was said in the interview or taking it out of the context of what was actually said or meant. Miley is a very talented entertainer who is still learning how to deal with both her success and the media. If we give her some room to learn and grow we may have a great entertainer that we will be able to enjoy for many years to come. Otherwise we may just drive her down the same road as so many other childhood entertainers. I don’t think I would want my kid being exposed to all this. I think we have to remember at the end of the day she still is just a kid! Give her a break; I would hate to held accountable for everything I said when I was 17!
Frank says:
WOW, Miley you do need a big reality check. If not for Country music and the song “The Climb” your career would be just like your TV show…dead! Your voice is too high, to squeaky. You need to realize that not all songs have to be sung at the top of your lungs. Quiet down, and take ur time with the lyrics. I saw ur video for the song u did for ur new movie, and it is a nice song, but there is no reason to be that high in a ballad. Take a listen to some country artists and you’ll learn that deeper and slower is better than anything. Buy Carrie’s new CD too, u could learn atleast a few things.
leela says:
miley was such a sweetie when she was young but its like with every comment that comes out of her mouth she just gets worse. i dont like her attitude and behaviour to life anymore.she should remember that we r the ones who will buy her cds or whatever so gettin proud nd makin snide comments isnt attractive. she is getting way over her head this one. am happy i dont have to watch hannah montana anymore she should just go…taylor is way better than her hence the awards
roxy says:
hey dont be talking about miley like that hey taylor sings about boyfriends,girlfriends,breakup and she still country so back off of miley it was just an opion
Karen P says:
I agree with Silvers March 19, 2:17 comment. I also think there are a lot of diverse country songs out there right now which is probobly why there is some crossover into pop. What seems contrived to me is Mileys career. Oh and what does Taylor have to do with this that it has to turn into Taylor bashing thing?
JJ says:
She chose to be a role model for young girls. Which means leading by example. Bashing on the genre that got you and your father where you are is not doing a good job at that at all! 17 years old is more then old enough to understand what you say and what you do and to deal with the Consequences of your actions.
JJ says:
Go here:http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/crush/miley-i-m-not-a-girls-girl/296?nc
Heres more of what she said in her parade interview.
WOW says:
Miley needs to go away. Especially stay away from country music. I personally dont want to see her on any country awards show or on any cd rack with Reba or Carrie or Faith. She ruins it. Its painful to see her have a career when there are struggling musicians out there that deserve a break but have to sit back and watch this girl have everything handed to her. Country doesnt want you Miley and we really dont care what you have to say about our genre
ray says:
i love country music but the fans are too easy to react to things toby and the fans reacted to what the dixie chick said and made a big deal of what a lot of people would have said if they could and the same thing thing they did to billy ray for what a other country singer said , it’s got to where you can be a great act as long as you keep your mouth shut and that’s just not right . it not like the good old days when you could say wow thing of things ,we would have lost a lot of great singers back in the old days if they were new singers now, hang in there miley and be yourself not what someone things you should be.
Kiley says:
At the very least I think that miley has it backwards. Seriously, if anyone is “contrived” its her.
lucybell says:
I think that Miley needs that learn to think before she speaks. She has been just saying things lately that come back to bite her in the butt!!! In my opinion she is not a really amazing singer and an alright(ok maybe worse then that) actor. Her dad not he is different, granted i was very young during his big time, but i can say that he wrote his own music. All in all she is going to be makeing another applogy soon. The reason that i LOVE country is because it is the only music where weomen arent called “HOes and Bi#@hs”, Also the youner women artists ( swift, underwood, pickler) are all good singer, song writers and role modles. Maybe Miley should think about taking some lessons from them and peolple will not think as little of her!
ann says:
hey WOW, you go away please!!! your wrong so leave her ALONE, ALL OF U….
D Trotter says:
I actually think Miley has enough talent to maintain a singing career beyond her Hanna Montana years, unlike so many of her predecessors. Nor do I have a problem with her saying what’s on her mind even if she doesn’t care if she’s politically correct — hey, she is just a kid (no matter how old she tries to seem) and at least she’s being real!
What does disappoint me is how much more Miley seems to be becoming a bit of a spoiled diva. She and Taylor appear to be going down very different paths.
Miley and Taylor appear to be friends: Taylor writing a song for Miley’s movie; Swift inviting Cyrus to sing “15″ with her at the Grammy’s; Taylor throwing a surprise birthday party for Miley. But they are becoming less alike all the time.
Forget the obvious tributes and respect Taylor has given recently to Country radio DJ’s and her own circle of friends/professionals who helped her become a success (contrasted with Miley’s thumbing her nose at Country fans and award shows which afforded her a spotlight and a new audience).
More striking is their view of their respective fans: Miley saying she doesn’t even “know who (her) fans are” and distancing yourself from young females who supported you (”I’m not really a girls’ girl”). Swift, who knows many of her fans by name, saying, “Well, they’re PEOPLE! I love meeting people … and if I had gone to college, a lot of them would probably be the friends I would be hanging out with.” And, “I’m nothing special, not at all. All you need to do to be my friend is like my music!” And “I’m not really a boyfriend kind of girl. I actually think I’m better most of the time without a boyfriend.”)
Likewise, the distaste Miley shows for the photographers trying to snap her all the time may not be unique (what star doesn’t want to escape the paparazzi?) but likening them to perverted child molesters seems a bit extreme. Compare that to Taylor saying, while “nothing about her life is normal anymore, I’m never going to be THAT PERSON who dreams of something, wants it so bad, GETS it, then COMPLAINS about it.”
Maybe it’s that Taylor wasn’t a Disney creation and had to work for success. Maybe it’s because the screaming her young fans give her is because of identification with songs she writes. Or maybe it’s because her parents taught her “the world doesn’t owe me anything” and she knows how quickly everything could vanish. But taylor remains an incredible role model.
I like Miley and respect her. But I do worry for her.
andrea says:
for real?? why can’t people leave the girl alone? if that’s the way she feels then more power to her. she is entailed to her own opition. and personally i think she’s an awesome singer/song write. let me ask you this: when you was her age what was you doing? not sellling millions of records and playing at sold-out concerts. so just let her be.
Mom says:
Miley is nothing but a spoiled Little girl that can’t sing
Kellie says:
What does this article have to do with Taylor Swift? I’m so sick to death of hearing about her no matter what the subject. Saint Taylor. Have they started the canonization process yet? This is about Miley Cyrus…a human being who is obviously making mistakes. We humans do that.
Shadow says:
Haha! Whether you like her or not, to pop country fans, it will always be about TS, until the next latest and greatest comes along to take her place!
It failed with Jessica Simpson. Now Miley has dropped from being a wannabe. Maybe it will be Mickie James, or this Laura Bell Bundy that the industry is now trying to push off as country! LOL
Allycat says:
Great job Allison. I agree with everything you say.
Allycat says:
PS. This says alot about Miley’s BFF, Taylor Swift. She must not see her as country anymore then we do. lol
RavenWing says:
Miley needs to look back in the history of country music alot of singers used country music as a stepping stone so if she has a problem with it its what put her were she is now; Robin Taylor is only 19 she is not a grown woman she is a young lady that to me sing very good though some of her songs are not really country sounding to me; Her dad’s song achy breaky heart was the dumbest damn song i have ever hear; but he did i really liked the one Some Gave All that song is so true in our world today oh and Allison you made the right call
Sue Smith says:
Why would anyone of you care what a 17 year old has to say about country music. If you enjoy listening then listen and enjoy. That is why it’s called entertainment.
Beth says:
I guess Miley has never heard of Miranda Lambert! She has just put and end to her career!
brenda says:
I love miley! you people need to get a life and leave miley alone. shes young has her opions!!! if ya don’t like her STOP LISENING TO HER!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amarillo Sky says:
Look, Point is she dosn’t know what she’s talking about. But she better hope her future wasn’t to go country.
jef says:
You go girl! Miley is going to say what she she thinks and I don’t see anything wrong with that. Good for her
Kris says:
THIS IS A FANTASTIC ARTICLE! Well written…well said!
merlefan49 says:
Well said Red,
Couldn’t have said it better and you hit the nail on the head !
M says:
Since when does a 17 year old wannabe Disney princess know anything about country music and the so called “politics” of it? I bet she doesn’t even know how to spelled contrived let alone what it really means. I just want to know how being Hannah Montana made her an expert on country music?
Johnny Cash didn’t wear a cowboy hat and sang about America and the people of our country, and he sold millions of records! She needs to see where she came from and what got her to where she is before she starts running her mouth and saying stuff she knows nothing about.
Cheryl Lee says:
I agree with Allison - country music contrived Miley? Sorry, but have you listened to yourself lately, and your family? You are about as country as they come. And where do you think you came from - country music! If it weren’t for your dad’s country music, you wouldn’t be Miley today. Get down off that high horse you’ve been riding on and get real! Sorry, but your voice doesn’t appeal to me, pop or country.
Gregory House says:
Again I say she praises Lady Gaga and Rupaul, and disses Country Music!!
So many younger stars get the limelight then go stick their foot in their mouth making off the wall comments to be heard!! Well Miley we heard you loud and clear, now scoot off into pop oblivion, where you are already yesterdays news!
Kody says:
I am a fan of Miley Cyrus I will have to say that. But I dont like her comments about country music. Allison (writer of this article) has great points. Without her dad Miley wouldnt ever be in the music industry. Im not saying she isnt talented because she is but not many people get a chance to become a star. Just look at Carrie Underwood (who is amazing. Does she wear cowboy boots all the time? Or a Cowboy hat? No. I do agree with Miley on one thing that country singers are good most of the time, not bad. But thats the country hospitality and people are like that in other music too (but not all of them)
Redmaz says:
Thanks, Joey, and merlefan. Of course these mainstreamers who support Pop Music will not defend themselves or the industry they support. I have yet to see one of them challange me and my statements, or to list some redeeming qualities or values within the Pop Country industry that they seem to love and support so much.
stuffnmore says:
MY OPINION..I don’t disagree with Miley & some of her comments..so many people have crossed over because they can’t sell their music elsewhere & think all they have to say is “I’ve been country all along..I just didn’t know it”..hince some put on hats & boots & some don’t..they have been made “superstars” because you all are buying the fact that they are now “country” & buy what they are selling..count the rock stars..they are there..Bon Jovi..John Mellencamp etc..Taylor writes & “sings” to teenagers..Carrie didn’t come to Nashville to make it as a country star..she went to American Idol..she can sing but she’s not “country”..Miley’s comments are not ignorant..it’s her opinion..it has a lot to do with growing up with a country singing father who taught her the difference between singing “pop” & singing “country”. I believe Miley has a great voice & can sing both well..Read Zack’s comments..he hit it on the nail..
granmur says:
Interesting comments here. I’m trying to understand why not liking Miley’s statements makes anyone a “hater”? That word sure gets thrown around a lot these days. I guess her negative remarks make her a “hater” too? I have young children in the home so am familiar with her music. Face it, it’s Disney with a beat. She can sing within her own limitations, just like other singers who have made it. She may make it, she may not but she will surely have to learn that dissing the industry you may someday want to utilize won’t get her where she wants to go. By the way do we really believe Billy Ray quit the industry? He used it as a stepping stone and moved on, as have many others. Big deal.
Vern says:
granmur, and several others are missing the point of this all together. What Miley said has nothing to do with her talent(or lack of it), she became a millionaire either way. She must feel she has enough money now(from people like you!)to last her the rest of her life. This is about how Miley has grown up around the business, all her life,, and how this industry treated her dad and all the others the industry disposed of after they no longer could make them any money. they devised a plan from early on to take advantage of the industry and it’s fans and to make millions. They’ve succeeded. They don’t need the industry or it’s fans anymore. they’re through with you. You have been duped. I agree with most of what Zack says, except for the Townes Van Zandt, and David Alan Coe reference. That’s absolutely ridiculous, but Redmaz is spot on 100%.,.
Justine Gibbens says:
I don’t understand why pearents let there young kids follow this half tween twit. She’s a bad role modle.
D Trotter says:
Redmaz, I would be happy to respond to your request for redeeming qualities or values within the Pop Country Industry.
ASs examples, Sugarland and Lady A’s songs are filled with strong emotion and passion. People relate to what they say. The songs are memorable and make people happy. There’s no value in that?S
Swift has given a voice to teen girls around the world. At a time of their lives when they are filled with so many conflicting anxieties and emotions — futures brimming with promise, but filled with insecurities. Did any Roots music artist ever pay attention to this demographic the way Swift has written their collective diary? Or are teens not worthy of attention??
I am a huge fan of so many Roots artists, but I will not be forced into some black-or-white position where you either disdain all Pop Music or else you lose your Americana card. Nor will I adopt some conceit that ALL Americana artists are pure, struggling artists who only care about the love of the music, while ALL Pop artists are callous products of money-making machinery pushing musical pablum onto the public. Ridiculous positions to take!
I think Miley is happy to GET AWAY from one of those Machines (the Disney one) which REALLY DID CONTROL HER, tell her what to do you, turn her into a money cow; and this little outburst is just her awakening rebellion. But she isn’t gonna go Americana, just to Pop. She is hardly the flag-bearer for your beliefs, and she and Billy did not “turn the tables” on Disney; they did exactly what Disney wanted — made a Billion!
The music business is brutal, no doubt, and it does corrupt. But you sound really bitter when you talk about pop country? Your comments about all the artists “whose lives and careers were destroyed by Pop culture and the industry” are a bit cryptic. Care to elaborate?
By the way, I just hear Swift singing “You’ve got Another” on the new DB Truckers album, as good or better than they do it.
you wish says:
So anyway, miley cyrus sucks. She’s and idiot and trying to do anything to fit in. i guess she just stoops lower and lower. go miley please ruin your career. I’m tired of seeing and hearing about you already.
Redmaz says:
,,,,,,Thanks Vern,. to dtrotter, I chose my words carefully, maybe you should read my post again. First of all I said for some mainstreamers who are against Miley Cyrus to give me some redeeming qualities of the Pop Country INDUSTRY NOT the MUSIC.(you started talking about Sugarland and Lady A)I was talking about the industry. From what I gather from your posts you are not really against Cyrus. Example…”I like Miley and respect her. But I do worry for her”. (one example). Second, it seems that you support, promote and defend Pop Music and the industry, but don’t really complain about it that much.(I was clearly looking for some mainstreamers who complain). I also see that you are “a huge fan of so many Roots artists”. When you combine all these factors I’ve just listed, I clearly was not talking to or about you. I didn’t think you actually considered yourself as merely a “Mainstreamer”. Just the fact you know so much about Americana/Roots music disqualifies you from my target demographic.
Brandy P says:
I think that Miley is right. I think that most country has gone pop music. That the newer country singers are trying so hard to make the sound instead of beig the sound. I think everyone need to back of the woman. Remeber shes no longer a teen. She is 18 years old. She should have an opinion. She isnt a disney character anymore. so get over it. Shes aloud her opinion since everyone else has one. I say GO MILEY!. O and another thing loved your performance at the teen chioce awards!
Peeved Off says:
I think that Miley Cyrus is the last person that should be criticizing music, especially since her voice sounds like nails on a chalkboard in my opinion. I’d much rather listen to heartfelt songs about real people in deep situations than “partying in the USA.” She’s a spoiled brat and country music is the main thing that gave her everything she has today. She’s a poor role model for young girls and she definitely needs to add some length to those skirts and shorts that she wears in her performances.
js says:
Oh give the girl a break. The front of Parade magazine this week says something to the effect of, “I’ve found out who I am”, of course referring to Miley. How many times in our lives have we said that, only to find out there was a whole other layer a few years later. So she doesn’t like country music. Who cares? If the girl can make it in pop, jazz, blues, gospel, rap, classical, even country then God bless her. The music world is tough and none of us could make it, so give her opinion…we don’t all have to agree. Everyone comes back to their roots at some point, and then even if she still thinks country music is contrived she will at least thank it for her start.
Shadow says:
No Brandy, most of country music has not gone pop. Only what you hear on commercial radio, which covers less than 10% of the total country music scene. Do you really think Ray Wylie Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen, Chip Taylor, Sam Bush, Guy Clark, Sunny Sweeney, Patty Loveless or the Nitty Gritty Dirt band, or the Hot Club of Cowtown are pop?
To js, Miley is a pop culture creation. What roots are you talking about her coming back to? I’ve never heard her music played in any of the roots genres I listen to.
Christian says:
Wow Allison.. for once you’ve actually written something that makes sense. Kudos to you for keeping it real!
Wink ;)
Ami says:
I honestly think she should be able to do what she feels…if it’s country so be it if it’s pop so be it she is extremely talented…so she wants to act or sing thats better then being a spoiled druggy brat!!!!!
S says:
No, she’s just a spoiled brat.
Peacock Queen says:
She is 17 (or 18?) trying to be 40. The problem with that is she doesn’t yet possess the wisdom that comes from having lived life during the years between 17 and 40. In a few years, she will come back to this statement and say to herself, “What was I thinking?!!!”
She is still very young, trying to be grown up, and didn’t we all say and do things back then that we now wish we had not said or done? Miley is no different. I am not a fan, but I am totally indifferent to mistakes made by someone so young.
S says:
*
Miley is going to be the mentor on American Idol this week. So what is she going to tell them, that you don’t have to have talent if you’re born in the right family?
S says:
AOL has a link to a YouTube video of a baby who cries hysterically when Miley’s ‘Party in the U.S.A.’ comes on the TV but starts smiling and dancing when Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ starts playing. Smart baby!
bkb says:
i could not find the quote in the parade mag. was it taken out before it could cause more up roar?
timcum says:
I went to the Parade magazine web site and found the following. “In this week’s issue of PARADE, Miley Cyrus talks to Kevin Sessums about saying farewell to her alter ego Hannah Montana and her new love Liam Hemsworth. In the web exclusive below, the teen queen admits why she’s steering clear of the country music scene, the real reason she quit Twitter and more.”
It sounds like the talk about Country music was just on the web site and not in the magazine. You can read the entire article on the Parade magazine web site.
Jason says:
I’m a big country fan, but I understand what Miley is saying, although I think she is generalizing a bit too much. There are too many cookie-cutter, mediocre songs that focus on the same or similar topics. It does seem like the images and songs are contrived at times. However, I could say the same about other genres. Regardless, that is her opinion, and I have no reason to be nasty to her or say she should not be critical of country music merely because of her father’s career that has impacted her life. Hopefully people aren’t as sensitive as they were with the Dixie Chicks. Also, hopefully they realize that just because you don’t agree with everything someone believes we can still be civil and enjoy music regardless of an artist’s personal views.
S says:
Miley did a ho-hum performance on American Idol last night. I noticed that she had the Taylor Swift hair slinging down pat.
S says:
Someone reviewed the movie The Last Song and had this to say about Miley’s performance.
“Cyrus is now 17, playing in the tougher arena of grown-ups, and her performance in “The Last Song” suggests she has two expressions at her disposal: Pouty and scowly. Three, if you count squinty. Cyrus plays grumpy high school graduate Ronnie (Miley Cyrus), who spends the summer at her dad’s beach house in Georgia sulking, grumbling and generally making her poor father’s life miserable. And for this she’ll be rewarded by meeting a nice, hunky blond boy, Will (Liam Hemsworth), who genuinely likes her and also happens to be rich. Conflicts will of course ensue.
When I wrote about “Hannah Montana: The Movie” last year, I couldn’t help noticing Cyrus’ vaguely blowsy quality — she seemed to have bypassed dewy, carefree teenage youth and was instead hurtling toward three-kids-and-a-McMansion matronliness. Still, she could just about pass as a kid, in a movie aimed at a pretty young audience. It seemed prudent to give her the benefit of the doubt.
But the suffering she causes in “The Last Song” is just too much. Cyrus’ speaking voice is deep instead of squeaky, which is usually a plus. But this isn’t a throaty purr we’re talking about; it’s more like a three-packs-a-day growl, and it’s gratingly unpleasant. Her diction is a slurry mess, and she speaks every line with an implicit sneer, as if everything, even the script of the movie she’s starring in, is beneath her consideration. Her expression is perpetually bored and restless, as if the only thing she’s got on her mind is getting back to her walk-in closet to assess her vast kingdom of tank tops. This is a performance with all the elegance of a bitten fingernail.
Maybe I’m expecting too much of Cyrus. But “The Last Song” rests heavily on her alleged appeal, and I can’t remember the last time I came across such a singularly charmless teenage performer. I hesitate to even use the word “actress,” because what Cyrus projects here is an unvarnished haughtiness that’s wholly disconnected from the troubled-but-feisty character she’s supposed to be playing. Even as poor pops Kinnear suffers nobly for the camera, Cyrus barrels through the movie as if she were the only person in it. She’s all ego and no alter, although we should probably be grateful we’re not dealing with a split personality here. Please, one is enough.”
.
kristal says:
there is tooooo much talk about every body else. personally i think miley doesn’t need an opinyon.I love country muisc and listen to it when ever i can and i love “talor” and “carrie” and “maranda” but i dont think any body should just go around asking people what they think of anything.
so i think that everybody should think that miley is not a celeberty.