Last Updated: July 1, 2025
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Miley Cyrus reveals health issue behind her raspy voice and rare tours
Last Updated: July 1, 2025
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Miley Cyrus, the powerhouse singer and Grammy-winning artist, is known for her raw talent, bold personality, and, of course, her unmistakable raspy voice.
But recently, she revealed that there’s more behind that distinctive vocal tone than just style.
In a candid interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Miley shared that she has been living with a rare medical condition called Reinke’s edema, and it’s had a big impact on her ability to perform and tour.
Let’s take a closer look at what this condition is, how it affects Miley’s life and career, and what the future holds for the pop icon.
What Is Reinke’s Edema?
Reinke’s edema is not a condition most people have heard of, but for singers, it’s a serious issue.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s a swelling that occurs when fluid builds up in the outer layer of the vocal cords.
This swelling can cause hoarseness and is often a sign of vocal cord damage.
Thankfully, it’s benign, meaning it isn’t life-threatening, but for vocal performers, it can be a major hurdle.
Miley’s Experience With the Condition
During the interview, Miley explained how Reinke’s edema has made touring and performing live a real challenge for her. When asked about the possibility of going on tour again, she opened up about the physical toll it takes on her body and voice.
She described performing as being “like running a marathon with ankle weights on.” That’s a powerful image, and it shows just how much strain singing can put on someone who is managing this condition.
“It’s abuse of the vocal cords,” Miley admitted. “Being 21 and staying up and drinking and smoking and partying after every show does not help, but also in my case, it does not cause it.
My voice always sounded like this. It’s a part of my unique anatomy, and this is what I look like.”
Even when she’s not on stage, the impact of Reinke’s edema is something she feels daily.
She shared a sweet but telling anecdote about calling her mom after a long day: “Even when I’m talking, sometimes at the end of the day I’ll call my mom and she’ll go, ‘Oh, you sound like you’re talking through the radio,’ and that’s how you know I’m really tired because it creates like that ultimate vocal fry.”
Why Touring Is No Longer a Priority
Fans who’ve been longing to see Miley back on tour might be disappointed, but her reasons are valid. Her last major tour, the Bangerz Tour, took place back in 2014.
Since then, she’s taken a step back from the high-energy, physically demanding world of touring. The combination of her vocal condition and a shift in personal priorities has changed the way she connects with her audience.
In 2023, shortly after releasing Endless Summer Vacation, Miley addressed her decision to avoid touring in a heartfelt message shared on Twitter.
“For clarity, I feel connected to my fans NOW more than ever,” she wrote in a screenshot from her Notes app. “Even if I don’t see them face to face every night at a concert, my fans are felt deeply in my heart.”
What’s Next for Miley?
While she may not be hitting the road anytime soon, Miley is far from stepping away from music. In fact, her next album, Something Beautiful, just dropped on May 30.
The 13-track project had some exciting collaborations, featuring appearances by Brittany Howard and Naomi Campbell.
With a title like Something Beautiful, it sounds like Miley channeled all of her personal experiences, challenges, and growth into her art.
In Her Own Words
Miley’s honesty about her condition is both refreshing and inspiring. She’s never been one to hide behind a polished image, and this latest revelation is just another reminder of her authenticity.
Her voice, often imitated but never duplicated, is a reflection of who she is, inside and out. Whether it’s on an album or in a quiet phone call with her mom, it’s uniquely Miley.
And that’s exactly how her fans love her.
TL;DR
- Miley Cyrus has Reinke’s edema, a rare but benign voice disorder that causes swelling of the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness and vocal strain.
- She revealed the condition during an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, explaining it affects her ability to tour and perform live.
- Cyrus compared performing with the condition to “running a marathon with ankle weights on.”
- She emphasized that lifestyle habits like smoking and partying didn’t cause it, stating her voice has “always sounded like this” due to her anatomy.
- The condition also impacts her off-stage life; she shared that when tired, her voice sounds like she’s “talking through the radio.”
- Miley’s last major tour was in 2014 (the Bangerz Tour), and she has no plans to tour in the near future.
- In 2023, she explained via Twitter that she still feels deeply connected to fans, even without live concerts.
- Her new album, “Something Beautiful,” dropped May 30, featuring 13 tracks and collaborations with Brittany Howard and Naomi Campbell.
- Despite vocal challenges, Miley continues to express herself through recorded music, staying true to her unique sound and identity.
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Bee DeloresAuthor
Bee DeloresLover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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