Beneath the surface of Miley Cyrus’s powerhouse vocals lies a hidden struggle—one that complicates the raw sound fans know and love.
Far from a simple case of vocal strain, Cyrus is navigating a rare and complex medical condition that has both defined and threatened her signature voice. As speculation swirls about the true extent of the damage, many wonder if the singer is balancing on a razor’s edge between preserving her artistry and risking irreversible harm.
Miley Cyrus Reveals Rare Vocal Condition That Shapes Her Sound—And Why She Won’t Risk Surgery
At 32, the “Wrecking Ball” singer laid bare a deeply personal health battle in a revealing conversation with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe on May 22, 2025. The discussion peeled back layers on a vocal condition Cyrus describes as both a challenge and, paradoxically, a gift.
Cyrus opened up about living with Reinke’s edema—a swelling of the vocal cords caused by fluid buildup, often linked to vocal abuse, smoking, or acid reflux. The Cleveland Clinic identifies this condition as a cause of hoarseness and a deeper voice, sometimes requiring surgical intervention with potentially unpredictable results.
For Miley, the situation is complicated by a large vocal cord polyp that significantly contributes to the gritty texture of her voice. “This polyp gives my voice its character,” she explained, “but singing with it feels like running a marathon while weighted down.”
Though the pop star once led a lifestyle that might have contributed to vocal wear and tear, she stressed that her vocal anatomy plays a far greater role than any past excesses. Her early years of smoking and partying were factors, but the root cause lies deeper.
The idea of touring remains on Cyrus’s mind, but she insists it must be sustainable. “I plan tours all the time because I want to, but it has to work with my health and what I’m dealing with,” she shared. “I don’t lip-sync—I sing live.”
Despite the risks, Miley refuses surgery. “There’s a real chance I could lose the voice that’s mine. That’s not a gamble I’m willing to take.”
Opening up about this sensitive topic wasn’t easy. “Talking about something so intimate has been tough,” Cyrus admitted. “But it’s part of who I am.”
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Surprisingly, Cyrus calls the vocal challenges a “blessing,” believing the condition imparts the distinctive sound that has become her trademark.
Her perseverance culminated in a breakthrough moment at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she finally earned her first Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance with “Flowers,” from her acclaimed 2023 album Endless Summer Vacation. The album itself earned nods for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, while “Flowers” was also nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. She also took home Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Thousand Miles.”
Yet, Cyrus has clearly shifted her priorities. Grand tours and spectacle are no longer her focus. In a heartfelt message to fans posted on X (formerly Twitter) in May 2023 titled “Sent From Heaven,” she emphasized connection and authenticity over traditional fame rituals.
Miley Cyrus’s journey with her vocal condition is a testament to resilience and self-acceptance. Choosing to embrace the imperfections shaped by her rare medical challenges, she values artistic authenticity over flawless perfection. With critical acclaim and Grammy success under her belt, she forges ahead—crafting music and performing on her own terms, balancing her health with her passion. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, our greatest gifts come wrapped in unexpected trials.