The Power of Miley Cyrus’s Theatrical Approach at the 2024 Grammys

Cover photo: Miley Cyrus performing «Flowers» at the Grammy Awards, 2024 | Getty Images. Photographer Timothy Norris

Concept

Stage Objectives Rules of propriety and appearance Belief in the authenticity of the performed role

Theatrical Realization Zonal behavior Expression and content of actions

Interaction Expressive coherence Element of spontaneity

Conclusion

Sources

«The Grammys» are divided by genre. The main area (General Field) for these prestigious awards is distributed across four categories. Informally known as «The Big Four, ” they recognize musical success regardless of genre: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist.

The 66th Grammy Awards took place in Los Angeles on February 4, 2024.

After the award ceremony, articles and videos flooded the internet detailing her appearance, dance movements, and even physique.

Miley Cyrus caused a stir by winning her first Grammy («I just won my first Grammy!» — Miley Cyrus, 2024). She said these words while performing her winning track «Flowers, ” a single from her eighth studio album, Endless Summer Vacation, which was released on March 10, 2023. Viewers’ attention was also focused on Cyrus herself, who created an entire trend around fitness online. Users, however, split into two camps. Some were ecstatic about her toned figure, while others criticized her for not being feminine enough. Of course, there were memes too. Users humorously exaggerated Miley’s voluminous hairstyle, evoking the atmosphere of the 1970s and 1980s.

However, when comparing previous performances by a singer of this magnitude, such as the MTV Music Awards in 2013 and 2015, the audience is currently more receptive to her. Although she received considerable backlash in the past, she has not become a captive of «scandalous, ” scantily clad, and extremely vibrant images. The viewer truly dismantles the stereotype created about her on their own and yields to her will during a musical performance at the Grammys.

Miley Cyrus’s artistry is renowned for the diversity of her image and musical genres, which subsequently become iconic for the media community and the music industry. Her songs are covered, people dress up as her looks for Halloween, and musicians and fashion houses collaborate with her. She remains interesting at all times because she manages to change many roles and images. Throughout her career, she has shown that she is always open to change.

In many ways, Miley draws references from other renowned figures who have achieved global recognition for their accomplishments in the world of music. Miley does the same with the Grammys, transforming into a wonder from the '70s and '80s, like Cher, Céline Dion, and Tina Turner. But how does Miley earn the right to a certain status in the eyes of the audience? How does she communicate without involving the audience, holding it under control? What constitutes Miley Cyrus’s stage success, and how was it realized at the «Grammys 2024,» leaving an indelible mark on the history of the music award? The goal of this essay is to analyze the dramaturgy of Miley Cyrus in her performance at the music awards. In this essay, I will rely on the theoretical approach to theatrical performance described by the American sociologist Erving Goffman in his book, «The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life.» (1956)

In his sociological research, Goffman develops the dramaturgical approach and the resulting dramatic characteristics. According to the author, the individual, when presenting themselves to others, relies on various methods of controlling and shaping impressions in the minds of other people. The individual acts according to a pattern, depending on personal biases about themselves and the goals of their performance, the context of the situation, and the expectations and audience’s knowledge of the individual. When all components of the dramaturgical approach are best adhered to, the staged performance becomes sincere, and the audience believes in it.

Miley should avoid vulgarity and sensationalism, as this is inconsistent with the standards of a prestigious event like the Grammys. The singer must be mindful of her actions, sidestepping potential awkward moments—such as adjusting clothing, a zipper failing on her dress, tripping due to high heels, or losing jewelry—which could provoke a negative reaction from the audience and judges. Miley needs to be confident in herself, her music, and her appearance to leave a positive impression. At the time of the performance’s development, the outcome of the event was uncertain. Winning one of the «Big Four» nominations only complicated the performance for Miley emotionally, requiring even greater artistic discipline and composure during her appearance.

It has also become important that every step and word of Miley is scrutinized by the public near the stage and online in real time. Recording the performance and preserving it on the internet makes every moment significant. This event is broadcast live, and its outcomes will be discussed in the media and social networks for a long time.

For her performance, Miley wore an archival, shimmering beaded dress featuring a flexible hem and neckline by designer Bob Mackie, from the 2002 collection «Broadway with Love.» The garment was inspired by women from Broadway musicals.

«Knowing Cyrus’s choreography, Mackie knew the dress was perfect for her.» (British Vogue, 2024)

Miley made this choice in her wardrobe because the vibrant colors of Bob Mackie’s dresses echo the 1980s—Miley’s beloved era—and Mackie’s costumes were worn by her idols, making her look a tribute. Before the performance, the audience saw an intro where Miley emphasized that idealization, in her understanding, is similar to the musical legends she lists.

Thus, even before beginning her performance, the singer provided a clear guide that she had kept hidden all along. According to Hofmann, theatricality was not difficult for Miley, as the women listed and their achievements inspire her, and she compares herself to them because she believes she measures up to those achievements.

When an individual performer believes in themselves, their performance becomes authentic. Miley’s singing allows her a large platform for self-expression, making her performance memorable and truthful. Even in the intro, it’s clear that Miley aligns with Grammy values, a compliance that makes her a model winner of the ceremony. The image of a Broadway lady and a circus artist corresponds with Miley’s internal feeling—she is strong, energetic, and courageous. At the same time, the connection of the image to Broadway and the circus reveals her as emotional and playful. It should be noted that Miley’s appearance was not officially confirmed. And Miley’s image itself was a secret. The most anticipated look was a floral dress, fitting the title of her song «Flowers.» However, the song carries a deeper meaning, so a Broadway-themed homage is appropriate and suitable for the presentation. The belief in the performed role is evident not only in her appearance but also in the substance of her actions.