From Hannah Montana To Plastic Hearts: Miley Cyrus’ 7 Most Unforgettable Saturday Night Live Moments

Miley Cyrus’s relationship with *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) is one of the most dynamic and telling in the show's modern history. Spanning over a decade, her numerous appearances have mirrored her dramatic evolution as an artist, serving as a public barometer for her career shifts—from her post-*Hannah Montana* rebellion to her current rock-infused era. As of today, December 10, 2025, her SNL history is a rich tapestry of hosting triumphs, viral musical moments, and even recent, controversial tributes that continue to make headlines.

The iconic Rockefeller Center stage has become a crucial proving ground for Cyrus, where she has consistently used the platform to reclaim her narrative, showcase her vocal prowess, and prove her comedic timing. Her journey from a nervous first-time musical guest to a seasoned, double-duty host and musical powerhouse is a fascinating case study in pop culture reinvention.

Miley Cyrus: A Complete SNL Biography and Appearance Timeline

Miley Cyrus has become a fixture of the SNL stage, having appeared multiple times as both a musical guest and a host, often pulling off the coveted double-duty role. Her appearances track a remarkable career arc, from her Disney roots to her current status as a rock icon. Here is a comprehensive list of her major appearances:

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• March 5, 2011 (Season 36, Episode 16): Cameo/Sketch Appearance. This episode, hosted by Zach Galifianakis with musical guest The Strokes, featured Cyrus in the debut of the recurring sketch, "The Miley Cyrus Show."
• October 5, 2013 (Season 39, Episode 2): Host and Musical Guest (Double Duty). This was her first time hosting and performing, a pivotal appearance where she addressed the infamous VMA twerking controversy in her monologue.
• October 3, 2015 (Season 41, Episode 1): Host and Musical Guest (Double Duty). She hosted the season premiere, performing songs like "Karen Don't Be Sad" and "Twinkle Song."
• November 4, 2017 (Season 43, Episode 5): Musical Guest. She performed "Bad Mood" and "Week Without You" from her album *Younger Now*.
• April 25, 2020 (Season 45, Episode 18 - SNL at Home): Musical Guest. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she performed a moving acoustic rendition of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here."
• May 8, 2021 (Season 46, Episode 18): Musical Guest. She performed on the highly publicized episode hosted by Elon Musk.
• February 11, 2024 (SNL50 Special): Guest Performer. She participated in the 50th Anniversary Special tribute.

The Evolution of the Artist: From Twerking to "Plastic Hearts"

Cyrus’s appearances are a timeline of her artistic reinventions, each one marking a distinct chapter in her career. Her 2013 double-duty stint was arguably her most culturally significant early SNL moment.

Addressing the VMA Controversy (2013)

Her October 5, 2013, monologue was a masterclass in self-aware comedy. Just weeks after her controversial MTV VMA performance, which featured her famously twerking, Cyrus used the SNL stage to mock the media frenzy.

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She joked that she wouldn't be twerking, stating, "I used to think twerking was cool, but now that old white people are doing it, it's pretty lame." She even killed a sketch idea involving a wrecking ball, a clear nod to her hit song "Wrecking Ball."

The "Plastic Hearts" Era (2021)

Her most recent main appearance on May 8, 2021, showcased the full transformation into her rock-and-roll persona. As the musical guest for the episode hosted by Elon Musk, Cyrus delivered a gritty, powerhouse performance of "Plastic Hearts."

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She also performed a moving cover of her godmother Dolly Parton's "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" for a special Mother's Day segment, bringing a sense of warmth and family to the often-chaotic show.

A major highlight was the surprise duet with The Kid Laroi, performing their hit collaboration "Without You" for the first time on television, solidifying her connection to the next generation of music stars.

Recurring Sketches and Controversial Tributes

Beyond her musical performances, Cyrus has left a comedic mark on the show, most notably through a recurring sketch that predates her hosting duties.

"The Miley Cyrus Show"

One of the most memorable recurring segments was "The Miley Cyrus Show," which ironically debuted before Cyrus herself ever hosted. Cast member Vanessa Bayer played a highly exaggerated, exuberantly "wacky" version of Cyrus, complete with over-the-top enthusiasm and a thick, slightly nasal Southern accent.

The real Miley Cyrus even appeared in a 2011 iteration of the sketch, playing Justin Bieber, demonstrating her willingness to embrace and poke fun at her own celebrity.

The SNL50 Tribute Backlash

In a very recent and widely discussed moment, Cyrus returned to the SNL stage for the 50th Anniversary Special (SNL50) in February 2024. This appearance, however, drew significant backlash and media attention.

Cyrus teamed up with Brittany Howard to perform a tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor, singing O'Connor’s iconic version of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U."

The tribute was highly anticipated but was met with criticism from some viewers who felt the rendition was "painful to watch" and did not live up to the original's emotional depth.

The controversy was amplified by the complicated history between Cyrus and O’Connor, dating back to 2013 when O'Connor publicly criticized Cyrus over her VMA performance. Despite the criticism, sources close to Cyrus indicated she was "completely unbothered" by the backlash, viewing the performance as a genuine homage to a legendary artist.

Topical Authority: The Cultural Significance of Miley's SNL Presence

Miley Cyrus's frequent presence on *Saturday Night Live* is a testament to her enduring relevance and her ability to constantly evolve in the public eye. She is one of a select few artists to successfully transition from a Disney child star to a major, boundary-pushing adult musician, and SNL has been her consistent partner in this journey.

Her performances have spanned multiple SNL eras, working with different generations of cast members, including Kenan Thompson, Pete Davidson, and Kate McKinnon.

From the edgy, tongue-in-cheek humor of her 2013 monologue to the raw, vocal power of her "Plastic Hearts" performances, Cyrus has used the Lorne Michaels-produced show as a vehicle for cultural commentary and artistic declaration. Her willingness to take risks, whether through comedy or controversial tributes, cements her status not just as a musical guest, but as a genuine SNL veteran and a significant figure in the show's 50-year legacy.