Miley Cyrus Talks Vocal Injury
In a recent interview on Good Morning America, Miley Cyrus spoke openly about experiencing a vocal injury — one of the first times she’s publicly shared the full weight of that experience. Her honesty is a big deal, not just for fans, but for the entire performing arts community. It gives us a rare glimpse into the high-stakes, high-pressure world of professional singers — and offers a chance to rethink the unrealistic standards we place on them.
She tells her interviewer that she has a vocal polyp, describing it as running a marathon with ankle weights on. Touring became incredibly stressful and taxing for her, knowing how hard the work would be and how a missed note would be discussed. However, by being so open about her injury, Miley started an important conversation about injury in vocal athletes.
Vocal Injury Is Not About “Bad Technique”
One of the most important things Miley pointed out is that her injury was not due to poor vocal technique or misuse — and she’s right. At the Center for Vocal Health, we know that vocal injuries often have less to do with individual error and more to do with extreme physical demands. There’s a dangerous myth that vocal injuries are somehow a sign of failure, weakness, or carelessness. In truth, even the most highly trained, technically skilled vocalists can suffer injury when they’re singing too much, too often, while sick, or without time to rest.
These are not preventable in the way people think — and certainly not the artist’s fault. Miley’s position reflects something we see every day: artists are expected to operate at peak performance constantly, and the human voice simply isn’t built for that kind of grind.
There’s No “Bench” for Singers
One of the biggest differences between sports athletes and vocal athletes is this: when a basketball player is sick or injured, they get pulled from the game. Someone else steps in. But if Miley Cyrus is scheduled to perform, it’s Miley — or no one. There’s no bench, no substitute singer to take over mid-tour. And canceling a concert isn’t just a logistical headache — it’s a financial hit, a PR challenge, and for many performers, an emotional burden. Miley references the fact that the entire tour, and the team of professionals around her, rely on her to perform for their own livelihood and income. So cancellation affects everyone around her.
So what happens instead? Artists sing while sick. They push through fatigue. They perform in less-than-ideal environments, on tight schedules, with no vocal rest. And they do it repeatedly. This is the perfect recipe for injury — not because of poor choices, but because the structure of the industry leaves little room for flexibility.
Touring Is a Breeding Ground for Injury
Most major tours involve singing vocally demanding music, night after night, in different cities, while also talking to press, attending events, and doing meet-and-greets. Travel fatigue, allergies, illness, reflux, and jet lag are constant companions. Add in the mental and emotional pressure of needing to deliver a “perfect” show, and it’s no surprise that injuries happen.
The truth is, tour injuries aren’t rare — they’re common. But what’s far less common is public acknowledgment. Many artists suffer in silence, continuing to perform on damaged vocal cords because the alternative — surgery, rehab, or time off — feels daunting or impossible. Unfortunately, this often leads to worsened injuries that take even longer to recover from. Some artists can never recover.
Let’s Shift the Way We Talk About Vocalists
We don’t demand perfection from any other kind of athlete. A quarterback can have an off game. A basketball player can miss a shot. But singers? They’re expected to sound flawless every night — and when they don’t, they’re criticized. We jump on missed notes, lowered keys, or new arrangements as if they’re evidence of decline, laziness, or lack of talent.
But what if we shifted our perspective? What if we asked: How are they doing this every night in a different country? How do they perform while sick - I call out of work when I'm sick! Instead of shaming artists for sounding different or using backing tracks, let’s support them in using the tools they need to stay healthy. Nobody questions a sprinter for wearing supportive shoes or a soccer player for icing their leg — why are we so quick to question a singer who modifies their set list or conserves their voice?
Miley’s Openness Is a Turning Point
By talking openly about her vocal injury, Miley is doing more than sharing her story — she’s starting a cultural shift. Her transparency helps dismantle the stigma around vocal health and encourages other artists to speak up, rest when needed, and prioritize their bodies without shame.
At the Center for Vocal Health, we applaud this honesty. Vocal health should never be a taboo topic. It should be central to how we support performers — from industry teams to fans in the crowd.
