While many Disney Channel stars have abandoned their family friendly screen personalities, Miley Cyrus went further by saying that she was “embarrassed” by her role as Hannah Montana, according to Entertainment Wise.com.
“Right now, when people go to iTunes and listen to my old music, it's so irritating to me because I can't just erase that stuff and start over,” Cyrus said in an interview with Billboard. “My last record I feel so disconnected from — I was 16 or 17 when I made it. When you're in your 20s, you just don't really know that person anymore.”
Cyrus began her acting career with minor appearances in the TV show "Doc" and Tim Burton's "Big Fish," and in 2006 she landed the lead in "Hannah Montana." The Disney show quickly elevated her to teen-star status with sold-out tours and concerts.
But even at the height of her Hannah Montana days, Cyrus showed resistance to her clean-cut Disney character. Parents expressed outrage in 2008 over suggestive Vanity Fair pictures of Cyrus, and again in 2009 for what people called pole dancing at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.
Earlier this week Cyrus appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to promote her new music. She also talked about her friendship with rapper Snoop Lion, who Cyrus said, "we're more alike than you think."
Cyrus aims to create a different image with her new album, which is scheduled for released in the fall.
“I want to start as a new artist,” Cyrus said. “I consider my upcoming album my first, really.”
Cyrus’ latest single, “We Can’t Stop,” targets an older fan base than her Hannah Montana character did.
"I'm 20 years old and I want to talk to the people that are up all night with their friends,” Cyrus said. “[‘We Can’t Stop’ is] based on a true story of a crazy night I had. When I heard the song for the first time, it captured exactly what I was living."
Adam Holz, senior associate editor at Focus on the Family's pop culture review site Plugged In, told Christian Post that Cyrus' new music video displays narcissism and childishness.
"Basically, she's describing a place where there's no limits and no rules," Holz said. "Miley's definition of freedom is nobody can tell her what's wrong."
But Diane Martel who directed the video said, "I don't see this video as shocking, it's creative."
The music video for “We Can’t Stop” holds the new Vevo record, with 10.7 million views within 24 hours. It beat out Justin Bieber’s previous 10.6 million record. The video currently has more than 35 million views on YouTube, and has received mixed reviews.
Abby Stevens is an intern for the DeseretNews.com Faith and Family sections. She is a recent graduate of Brigham Young University–Idaho. Contact her at astevens@deseretdigital.com.