It’s fair to say Miley Cyrus has gone through more dramatic identity transformations than most.
The 25-year-old singer shot to fame as a Disney icon in Hannah Montana, playing your average schoolgirl who just happens to double as an international pop star on the sly.
As she entered her twenties, we saw the butter-wouldn’t-melt teen idol rebel against type with a vengeance.
In 2013, it was clear Hannah Montana had left the building as Miley performed that raunchy twerking routine at the MTV Video Music Awards, complete with foam finger misuse.
This was also the year we first saw her swinging around in the nude on a huge wrecking ball, smashing walls as well as any lingering perceptions of her as a Disney goody-two-shoes.
By 2014, Miley’s raunchy transformation appeared to be complete, as her desire to shock and be subversive skyrocketed.
Miley became even more brazen, wearing revealing clothes and talking openly about her recreational drug use.
This new bad-girl Miley divided fans; some loved her edgy new image while others perceived her to be a poor role model.
However, in recent years we have seen Miley Cyrus mellow a little; returning in some ways to her wholesome, PG-13 roots.
In 2016, she reunited with former love Liam Hemsworth and her music began to take a more romantic, whimsical turn; evident in her 2017 love song Malibu.
By 2017, she announced she had kicked the drug habit and was starting to sport a softer, more feminine appearance.
And now it appears Miley has emerged from her spangly cocoon once again; as a sophisticated and mature young woman capable of holding her own during a duet with Elton John.
At Sunday’s Grammy Awards ceremony at Madison Square Garden in New York, Miley rocked up in an exquisitely classy Zac Posen gown.
The floor-length frock was a deep shade of ruby, with elegant sheer sleeves, making the former Disney star look like a fairytale princess.
The dress was made complete with polished makeup and understated blonde waves, showing off the singer’s natural prettiness.
Miley looked in her element as she sang Tiny Dancer with Elton, beaming as the pair received a well-deserved standing ovation.
Posting on Instagram later, Miley spoke about her admiration for the iconic Your Song crooner:
Sir Elton John, I can’t thank you enough for giving me the honor of performing with you tonight at The Grammys!
I’ve loved every moment I’ve spent with you over the years & will cherish each second of your kindness …. let’s kick ass and keep fighting for an end to the AIDS epidemic!
Everything you do inspires me to keep workin hard and never giving up on all my dreams ! Love you dearly!
Fans were delighted by Miley’s chic appearance and couldn’t get over how gorgeous her dress was.
One person declared her to be ‘the most elegant princess in the world’ while another described her as ‘angelic and amazing.’
Another person enquired, ‘Can someone tell me what dress Miley Cyrus is wearing, I want to buy it and throw myself into debt.’
Are we seeing a brand new Miley?
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.