5 Shocking Ways Miley Cyrus's 2013 'Bangerz' Era Changed Pop Culture Forever

Miley Cyrus's 2013 transformation remains one of the most explosive and controversial rebrands in modern pop music history, a calculated cultural shockwave that permanently shattered her Disney image and redefined her as a provocative, boundary-pushing artist. As of late 2025, the decade-plus-old *Bangerz* era continues to be a critical point of discussion, with Cyrus herself offering fresh, nuanced perspectives on the intense public scrutiny, the personal toll it took, and the lasting impact of that chaotic year on her career and relationships. The year was less a career evolution and more a complete detonation, marked by a radical new aesthetic, the release of her fourth studio album *Bangerz*, and a single performance that generated more conversation, criticism, and moral panic than almost any other event that decade. This is a deep dive into the pivotal year that cemented Miley Cyrus as a global, unpredictable superstar.

Miley Cyrus: Complete Biographical Profile

Miley Ray Cyrus was born Destiny Hope Cyrus on November 23, 1992, in Franklin, Tennessee. She is the daughter of country music star Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus (née Finley). Her original nickname, "Smiley," which came from her cheerful disposition, later became "Miley."

• Full Name: Miley Ray Cyrus (Born Destiny Hope Cyrus)
• Born: November 23, 1992 (Age: 33 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Franklin, Tennessee, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer
• Parents: Billy Ray Cyrus (Father) and Tish Cyrus (Mother)
• Known For: *Hannah Montana* (2006–2011), *Bangerz* era (2013), *Plastic Hearts* (2020), "Flowers" (2023)
• Key Albums: *Breakout* (2008), *Can't Be Tamed* (2010), *Bangerz* (2013), *Younger Now* (2017), *Plastic Hearts* (2020), *Endless Summer Vacation* (2023)
• Notable Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards (including Record of the Year for "Flowers"), MTV Video Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards.

The 2013 VMA Performance: The Cultural Tipping Point

The single most defining moment of the entire *Bangerz* era—and arguably of Miley Cyrus's career—occurred on August 25, 2013, at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). The performance, a duet of "Blurred Lines" with Robin Thicke, was a masterclass in media manipulation and shock value.

Cyrus, who had already debuted her signature short, bleached hair and provocative look in the "We Can't Stop" video, took the stage in a now-infamous latex two-piece outfit that was barely there. Her performance involved a foam finger, suggestive dancing, and the much-discussed act of "twerking" against Robin Thicke.

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The Immediate and Lasting Impact of the VMA Show

The backlash was immediate and widespread. The performance was deemed vulgar, inappropriate, and a desperate cry for attention by many critics and parents. However, it was also a massive success in its primary goal: to completely sever the public's perception of her as the Disney Channel's *Hannah Montana*.

• Media Saturation: The performance became the most-tweeted-about event of the year, dominating every news cycle for weeks.
• The Foam Finger: The oversized foam finger became an instant, controversial pop culture entity, symbolizing the sexualized nature of the performance.
• The Twerk: Cyrus's use of twerking brought the dance form into the mainstream cultural conversation, though it also sparked a critical discussion about cultural appropriation and "culture vulturing" that continues to this day.

Cyrus has since reflected that the VMA performance was a deliberate, strategic move to ensure her new music and image could not be ignored. It worked, but it came at a significant personal cost.

The *Bangerz* Album and Its Unprecedented Success

Released on September 30, 2013, *Bangerz* was Miley Cyrus's fourth studio album and her first under RCA Records. The album was the sonic foundation for her new provocative image, featuring a blend of pop, hip-hop, and R&B influences.

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The album's commercial success was undeniable, proving that the controversy translated directly into sales and chart dominance. *Bangerz* debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

Key Hit Singles and Commercial Milestones

The album produced two of the year's biggest hits, which are now considered definitive pop anthems of the 2010s:

• "We Can't Stop": The lead single, released in June 2013, introduced her new aesthetic, focusing on party culture, self-expression, and a carefree attitude.
• "Wrecking Ball": This ballad, released in August 2013, became her first-ever number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video, which famously featured a nude Cyrus swinging on a wrecking ball, was as controversial as the VMA performance and broke Vevo viewing records.

The album was certified triple-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), solidifying the fact that the *Bangerz* era was a major commercial triumph despite—or perhaps because of—the massive controversy.

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Miley's Recent Retrospectives on the 'Bangerz' Backlash

In the years following 2013, and particularly in recent interviews and retrospectives (including those in 2023 and 2024), Miley Cyrus has provided a more mature and critical analysis of that time, offering the "fresh" perspective that is vital for understanding the era's true legacy.

The Personal and Relational Cost

Speaking on the emotional fallout, Cyrus has openly discussed how the provocative, hyper-sexualized public image of the *Bangerz* era led to lost relationships and a feeling of alienation. She described the intense media focus and the pressure to maintain the rebellious persona as a heavy burden.

The artist has also acknowledged the critical discussions around the appropriation of Black culture, particularly regarding the twerking and the hip-hop influences in her music and visuals. This self-reflection demonstrates a growth and understanding that was absent from her initial, defiant responses in 2013.

Ultimately, the year 2013 was Miley Cyrus's declaration of independence. She successfully shed the skin of her Disney past, but the subsequent decade has been a continuous process of navigating the consequences of that explosive, career-defining moment. The *Bangerz* era remains a powerful case study in pop stardom, reinvention, and the complex relationship between art, controversy, and cultural critique.