The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has paid tribute to Miley Cyrus, hailing her as “rock & roll royalty” at a moment when the singer is once again dominating headlines — and reminding fans that her connection to the genre runs far deeper than many might think.
The iconic institution, long known for celebrating the biggest names in music history, took to Instagram to spotlight Cyrus’ rock credentials, sharing a carousel of standout performances that underline her versatility as a vocalist.
Among them were her powerful rendition of “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin, a fan-favourite cover of “Heart of Glass” by Blondie, and a live performance of “Tiny Dancer” alongside Elton John — each showcasing a different facet of her ability to move effortlessly between pop and rock.
The recognition comes as part of a broader reassessment of Cyrus’ career, with many fans pointing out that her rock influences have been present from the very beginning.
Long before her more recent reinventions, Cyrus was already signalling her ambitions.
In her 2009 autobiography Miles to Go, released at the height of her Hannah Montana fame, she laid out a list of 50 life goals — including a desire to “do a metal record.”
More than a decade later, she delivered on that promise. In 2021, Cyrus featured on The Metallica Blacklist, performing a striking version of “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica.
The track brought together an unlikely but heavyweight lineup, including Elton John on piano, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo, and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, further cementing her credibility within the rock space.
Another of her early ambitions revealed just how deeply she respected the genre’s roots.
Cyrus once wrote that she wanted to “introduce this generation to Buddy Holly and have him be on top ten albums on iTunes.” The influence of Buddy Holly — one of rock’s earliest trailblazers — speaks to the depth of her musical awareness.
Buddy Holly was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who was a central and pioneering figure of rock and roll from Lubbock, Texas.
Despite a brief career, his innovative songwriting, distinct vocals, and "nerdy" horn-rimmed glasses style influenced artists such as The Beatles and Bob Dylan. He died at age 22 in a 1959 plane crash.
Often credited with establishing the standard rock lineup of two guitars, bass, and drums, Holly was a pioneer in using studio techniques like double-tracking. He was among the first artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
Cyrus has also made her admiration for rock legends clear on stage.
At the 30th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2015, she honoured her mentor Joan Jett with a candid and widely praised speech before performing alongside her — a moment many still point to as a defining step in her transition from pop phenomenon to rock performer.
All of this renewed attention to her musical range arrives alongside the release of the “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special,” a project that has struck a particularly emotional chord with fans.
Premiering two decades after the original series first aired, the special sees Cyrus revisiting the role that launched her career while reflecting on the journey that followed.
The programme brings together key figures from her past and present, including her parents Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus, as well as longtime friend Selena Gomez.
New-generation artists like Chappell Roan also appear, creating a bridge between the Disney Channel era and today’s pop landscape.
For many, the significance of the anniversary goes far beyond nostalgia. When Hannah Montana first premiered in 2006, it became a defining part of childhood for an entire generation — including viewers across Ireland who grew up watching Cyrus balance her double life as an ordinary teenager and a global pop star.
The show didn’t just produce chart-topping songs; it shaped identities, friendships and pop culture moments that still resonate today.
Twenty years on, the return to that world feels less like a simple reunion and more like a full-circle moment.
Cyrus herself has spoken about reconnecting with the character, acknowledging how her relationship with Hannah has evolved over time. What once felt like a separate persona is now something she’s embracing as part of her own story.
That sense of reflection — and reclamation — is what makes the current moment so powerful.
As the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates her as “rock & roll royalty,” and as younger artists openly credit her for paving the way, Cyrus is simultaneously looking back and moving forward.
For fans who grew up with her, the impact is undeniable. The girl who once wore a blonde wig on Disney Channel is now being recognised not just as a pop star, but as a genre-spanning artist with deep roots in rock history — and a legacy that continues to influence the next generation.
