The year 2013 brought a moment to television screens that, for many, remains etched in memory, a real turning point in popular culture, and it’s all tied to Miley Cyrus and her appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards. This particular show, her very first time on that stage, captured so much public interest and sparked quite a bit of conversation, drawing a lot of eyes to her and what she was doing. People were really talking, you know, about what unfolded.
What happened that evening, a performance alongside Robin Thicke, truly caught everyone off guard, becoming a flashpoint for debate and discussion that echoed for a very long time. It was an event that, in some respects, felt like it opened up a whole new period in how we think about celebrity and public expression. The sheer volume of chatter it generated was, frankly, something quite extraordinary, setting records for online reactions.
Even a decade later, the images and sounds from that particular August night in Brooklyn still play in many people's minds, almost like a loop. It's a testament to how impactful and, perhaps, how startling that moment was, creating a lasting impression that, as a matter of fact, continues to be a topic of discussion among fans and cultural watchers alike. This performance, it appears, really stuck with folks.
Table of Contents
- A Look Back at Miley Cyrus - The Person Behind the Performance
- What Happened with Miley Cyrus at the 2013 VMAs?
- The Night Miley Cyrus Stunned Brooklyn
- The Duet That Got Everyone Talking - Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke
- How Did People React to Miley Cyrus's VMA Moment?
- The Social Media Storm Around Miley Cyrus
- Celebrity Thoughts on Miley Cyrus's Act
- What Were the Lasting Effects of Miley Cyrus's Performance?
- Miley Cyrus's Reflections Years Later
- The Impact on Miley Cyrus's Public Persona
- Beyond the Stage - The Aftermath for Miley Cyrus
- Did Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke Win Any Awards?
- The Memes and More - Miley Cyrus's Legacy
- Why Does the 2013 Miley Cyrus VMA Performance Still Matter?
- A Cultural Moment for Miley Cyrus
- Other Noteworthy Acts at the 2013 VMAs
A Look Back at Miley Cyrus - The Person Behind the Performance
Before that eventful night, Miley Cyrus was already a well-known figure, having spent a good part of her younger years in the public eye. She was, you know, a former child star, and that meant a lot of her personal moments, some of them a bit awkward or challenging, had been seen by many people. This background, in a way, set the stage for how her actions were often viewed. People had, like, a history with her, watching her grow up right there on television screens and in magazines.
It’s almost as if every step she took, every change she made, was under a giant magnifying glass. This kind of public life, it tends to be pretty intense, with very little room for private mistakes. So, when she stepped onto that VMA stage, she carried with her a whole lot of shared history with her audience, which arguably made the impact of her performance even bigger. Her story was, in some respects, already a public book.
Personal Details - Miley Cyrus
Name | Miley Cyrus |
Known For | Pop singer, former child star |
Notable Song (mentioned in context of VMA performance) | "We Can't Stop" |
Public Perception (post-2013 VMA) | Subject of media attention, public scrutiny, criticism, body shaming |
Feelings about 2013 VMA | Expressed regrets, reflected on the experience |
What Happened with Miley Cyrus at the 2013 VMAs?
The 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on a Sunday in August, had a lot of big names ready to perform. But, it was Miley Cyrus’s turn on the stage that, honestly, stole the show and became the talk of the town, not just for the night but for many weeks and months that followed. It was her first time performing at this particular awards event, which made the whole thing, like, a really big deal for her personally and for her fans. The atmosphere, you know, was pretty charged with excitement and anticipation.
The Night Miley Cyrus Stunned Brooklyn
On August 25, 2013, when Miley Cyrus stepped out to perform, she truly surprised the folks in the crowd at the Barclays Center. The visual aspect of her show, from her attire to her movements, was quite different from what many had come to expect from her. It was, in a way, a very bold statement. People were, basically, glued to their seats, watching every move she made. The pictures from that night, taken by photographers like Kevin Mazur, Charles Sykes, and Rick Diamond, really show just how much she commanded the attention of the room, capturing a moment that felt, well, pretty important in the moment. You could almost feel the energy shift.
Her performance of "We Can't Stop" was a central part of her stage appearance that night. It was, apparently, a display that aimed to push boundaries and challenge existing ideas about her as an artist. The reaction from the audience, and later from the wider public, showed just how much of an impact her choices had. It was, quite literally, a moment where the world took a kind of visual detour into something new, something that had not really been seen on that particular stage before. This was, in some respects, her way of showing a different side of herself.
The Duet That Got Everyone Talking - Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke
A key part of the evening’s buzz was her joint performance with Robin Thicke. Their stage act, which included Miley Cyrus doing a dance move known as "twerking" with him, really set off a lot of public chatter. This particular interaction on stage became, more or less, the focal point of the entire event for many people. It was, frankly, what most folks remembered and talked about afterward. The combination of their styles and the specific movements they made together created a moment that was, like, instantly controversial.
This duet, so it seemed, was designed to be memorable, and it certainly achieved that, though perhaps not in the way everyone expected. The sight of Miley Cyrus performing with Robin Thicke, and the specific dance she did, was something that, for many, was a bit of a shock. It was, honestly, the very first time some people had seen such a display from her, and it definitely left a strong impression. The whole thing, you know, just blew up the discussion online and everywhere else.
How Did People React to Miley Cyrus's VMA Moment?
The immediate response to Miley Cyrus’s VMA appearance was, to be honest, pretty intense and widespread. It wasn't just a ripple; it was more like a giant wave that hit the media and public conversations. People had very strong opinions, and they were not shy about sharing them. The sheer volume of discussion, especially online, showed just how much this one performance got under people's skin, for better or worse. It was, in a way, a moment that really divided public opinion.
The Social Media Storm Around Miley Cyrus
The backlash to Miley Cyrus’s show quickly spread across online platforms. The numbers themselves tell a powerful story: her performance apparently generated a staggering 306,000 tweets every minute. To put that into perspective, that was, like, even more than the Super Bowl, which is usually a massive topic of online talk. This level of activity just shows how much people were reacting, commenting, and sharing their thoughts in real time. It was, you know, a true social media explosion.
The online world was, basically, flooded with reactions. Many visual gags and short animated clips, often called "memes" and "GIFs," started popping up everywhere, showing how different audience members looked during her act. These visual jokes, in some respects, became a way for people to share their surprise or disapproval. It was, frankly, a massive moment for internet culture, with everyone, it seemed, having something to say or a funny picture to share about Miley Cyrus and her show.
Celebrity Thoughts on Miley Cyrus's Act
It wasn't just the general public who had things to say; other famous people also weighed in on Miley Cyrus's stage appearance. The morning after the MTV event, one well-known American singer, Kelly Clarkson, apparently summed up a lot of feelings with a tweet. She, like, shared her thoughts after seeing what people were saying about the show, which probably reflected a wider sentiment among her peers. It was, in a way, a very public conversation, with even those in the entertainment world sharing their views.
The whole thing became, more or less, a topic of conversation across the industry. While some might have seen it as a bold artistic choice, others, including fellow performers, had different takes. The fact that it drew comments from people like Kelly Clarkson shows how much it resonated, not just with fans, but with those who also work in the spotlight. It was, you know, a very talked-about event among famous folks.
What Were the Lasting Effects of Miley Cyrus's Performance?
The impact of Miley Cyrus’s 2013 VMA performance didn't just fade away after a few days; it had consequences that lasted for years. For her, personally, it seems to have been a very significant point in her life and career, shaping how she was seen and how she felt about herself. The memories of that night, and the public's response, clearly stayed with her for a long time. It was, frankly, a moment that had some pretty big ripples.
Miley Cyrus's Reflections Years Later
Even almost five years after the event, Miley Cyrus was still talking about her stage appearance with Robin Thicke, and she apparently expressed some regrets about the foam finger she used during the show. This shows that the experience, you know, really stuck with her and became something she thought about deeply over time. She was, in a way, reflecting on a very public moment that had a big personal cost. It wasn't just a performance; it was a life event for her.
She also spoke about how harshly she was judged by the public during her early twenties, directly linking it to that well-known 2013 VMA show. She even compared her experience to Monica Lewinsky’s public struggles, saying, "My 2013 is your 1998." This comparison, you know, highlights the depth of the public scrutiny she felt. She talked about losing "everything" during that time, suggesting the period after the VMA show was, basically, a really tough one for her. It was, apparently, a moment that hit her very hard.
The Impact on Miley Cyrus's Public Persona
The immediate aftermath of the performance, including the cruel online jokes and visual gags that circulated, had a profound effect on Miley Cyrus’s personal life. She mentioned that these reactions made her feel unable to wear short pants or skirts in public for a period of time. This personal consequence, you know, really shows how much the public's judgment can affect someone, especially when they are so much in the spotlight. It was, frankly, a very difficult time for her, impacting her daily choices.
In the eyes of many people, the singer, known for her song "More to Lose," doing that dance move on stage, became a defining image. It was, in some respects, a moment that completely changed how the public saw her, moving her away from her earlier image as a child star. This shift in public perception was, basically, immediate and long-lasting, proving that a single event can truly redefine a person's public identity. Her public image was, like, completely reshaped by this one night.
Beyond the Stage - The Aftermath for Miley Cyrus
While the performance itself was a huge topic of conversation, it's also worth looking at what else happened that night and in the period that followed, especially concerning the artists involved. The VMA stage is, after all, a place where careers can shift, and public opinions can solidify. This particular event, you know, seemed to have very different outcomes for the people involved, which is pretty interesting to think about.
Did Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke Win Any Awards?
Despite all the attention and headlines that Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke received for their joint act, neither of them actually took home any awards that night. They both had, apparently, four nominations each, which shows they were recognized for their work leading up to the event. But, the evening's big talking point didn't translate into trophies for them. It's almost ironic, in a way, that the most talked-about performance didn't lead to any wins. This was, in some respects, a very surprising outcome given the immense buzz.
This situation, you know, highlights how public attention doesn't always equal critical acclaim or awards recognition. Lady Gaga, for example, had a very different kind of performance at the 2013 MTV VMAs, appearing covered in fake blood, which also generated talk. But the sheer volume of discussion around Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke was, frankly, unmatched, even if it didn't result in them getting an award. So, the impact was more about cultural conversation than formal recognition.
The Memes and More - Miley Cyrus's Legacy
The immediate online explosion of funny pictures and short video clips, the "memes" and "GIFs," really cemented the performance’s place in internet history. These visual gags, you know, became a common way for people to reference the event, turning it into a kind of shorthand for a moment of public surprise or shock. The images of audience members’ reactions, in particular, became very popular, showing just how widespread the public’s response was. It was, basically, a very fertile ground for internet humor.
Looking back a year later, some even described the aftermath as a situation where "Two careers enter, one career leaves," referring to the different paths Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke’s careers took after that night. This phrase, you know, suggests that while both were involved, the public and media reaction seemed to affect them in quite distinct ways. It’s a pretty stark way to put it, but it does capture how the event was seen as a turning point for both, though perhaps more significantly for Miley Cyrus. The whole thing, in a way, became a very big moment for both their public stories.
Why Does the 2013 Miley Cyrus VMA Performance Still Matter?
Even a decade later, the 2013 VMA performance by Miley Cyrus continues to be a point of reference and discussion. It’s not just a forgotten moment from a past awards show; it holds a place in our collective memory for a variety of reasons. The fact that it still gets brought up, still inspires conversations, really speaks to its enduring power and what it represented at the time. It was, frankly, a moment that seemed to shift things for a lot of people.
A Cultural Moment for Miley Cyrus
The 2013 VMA performance, particularly Miley Cyrus's act, is seen by many as a moment when popular culture took a distinct new path. It was, as some have put it, a "visual left turn into a new era." This suggests that her performance, with the dance moves and the overall presentation, felt like a breaking point from what was expected, ushering in a different kind of celebrity expression. It was, in some respects, a very bold statement about her artistic direction and personal freedom. This event, you know, truly marked a new chapter for her public image.
The lasting impact is evident in how people still remember and talk about it. The idea that her "We Can't Stop" performance still replays in people's minds on a regular basis, even ten years later, shows its staying power. It became, like, a cultural shorthand for a certain kind of rebellious or unexpected celebrity act. There was even talk of animating it, which shows how much it captured imaginations. This particular moment for Miley Cyrus really became a piece of shared cultural history, something that, frankly, people still reference quite often.
Other Noteworthy Acts at the 2013 VMAs
While Miley Cyrus’s performance definitely took center stage in terms of public discussion, the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards also featured other big names and memorable moments. The event was, after all, a showcase for many popular music acts of the time, and several artists delivered performances that also garnered attention. It’s important to remember that the night was packed with talent, even if one particular act ended up overshadowing the rest. There were, you know, other great things happening.
Justin Timberlake, for example, also performed that night, as did Taylor Swift. These were, and still are, really big names in music, and their appearances were certainly anticipated by their fans. The event was a collection of high-profile stage acts, showcasing various styles and sounds. So, while the conversation might have been dominated by one particular artist, the VMA stage that year was, basically, a hub of musical energy and visual spectacle, with many different artists bringing their unique shows to the audience. It was, you know, a pretty star-studded night overall.
The 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, particularly the performance by Miley Cyrus, remains a deeply remembered event in popular culture. Her first appearance at the VMAs, alongside Robin Thicke, sparked immense public discussion and media attention, becoming a truly unforgettable moment that generated record-breaking online reactions. Despite the widespread talk, neither Cyrus nor Thicke received awards that night. Years later, Miley Cyrus has shared her


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