When it comes to pop culture, Miley Cyrus has always been the bold trailblazer willing to push boundaries and face controversy head-on. Recently, she appeared on Monica Lewinsky’s podcast, where she shared candid reflections on some of her most misunderstood moments — including that infamous Grammy night when she performed dressed as a teddy bear and ended up being the target of ridicule.
If you haven’t heard about it, that 2013 performance is one of those classic “cringe” moments in pop history. Miley’s costume was quirky, childish, and far from what people expected from her. As a former Disney child star, her image was always wrapped in an invisible protective bubble. Imagine being that spoiled American kid appointed as the “cultural babysitter” — every move scrutinized, one misstep away from being labeled “not suitable.” In her own words, she felt like “the babysitter for American kids,” yet never truly allowed to be herself.
The podcast episode took an unexpected turn when the conversation veered to one of the hottest buzzwords today: “WAP.” Monica Lewinsky — yes, the woman once at the center of a political storm — admitted she had no idea what “WAP” meant. Miley couldn’t help but laugh as she explained, “It stands for Wet A– P—, you know what I mean.” That moment not only brought the two women closer but also revealed Miley’s humorous, down-to-earth side beyond her pop star persona.
It’s worth noting that Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s performance of “WAP” at the 2021 Grammys stirred up massive controversy as well. Comparing that with Miley’s teddy bear incident isn’t just a matter of time passing — it reflects cultural shifts and differing degrees of societal tolerance. Cardi B’s boldness marked a redefinition of women’s freedom of expression, while Miley — the girl who grew up under the spotlight — has been trying to break free from the heavy labels and find her authentic self. She openly admits how painful it was to leave that safety net behind.
This reminds me of a friend of mine in Brooklyn, New York, Emily, who grew up tightly bound by her family’s and community’s expectations. She told me once, “You have to get people to accept you before you can even be yourself.” Miley’s story mirrors the struggle of many young people trying to navigate their true identities under society’s watchful eyes.
Back to the podcast itself, Reclaiming My Narrative with Monica Lewinsky specializes in honest, deep conversations. It invites celebrities, experts, and everyday people to talk about narratives that have been lost, stolen, or misunderstood. Monica uses her own experience to help others heal and be heard. Miley’s appearance was perfectly timed with the release of her ninth studio album, Something Beautiful, which has already debuted at number four on the ARIA album chart, continuing her impressive track record.
When you think about it, behind every shiny pop star’s fame is a complex story of struggle and resilience. Miley Cyrus is a prime example. She wasn’t defeated by the ridicule from years ago — instead, she chose to face it with humor and express herself through music. Just like Emily found her stage in a cozy Brooklyn café, Miley has rediscovered herself in Something Beautiful.
This conversation and the story behind it offer more than just entertainment news; they prompt us to think about identity and acceptance — timeless themes in any generation. In a world dominated by social media and instant judgment, how many people are forced to wear a “teddy bear costume,” hiding their true selves to fit others’ expectations? True courage might just be having the guts to tear off those labels, laugh at the past, and embrace the future with open arms.
If you’re curious about Miley Cyrus’s transformation, I highly recommend tuning into that podcast episode. Experience her humor, honesty, and the real person behind the superstar. And don’t miss her new album — a collection of songs that are as heartfelt as they are authentic. After all, music and conversation remain the gentlest powers to connect us and soothe our restless souls.
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