Miley Cyrus is simplifying her professional identity, dropping her last name for her upcoming musical era ahead of the release of her new album, Bass Persuades. The pop star will release her new project on September 18, 2026, dropping “Cyrus” from her artist moniker in a shift that her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, has publicly endorsed.
Billy Ray Cyrus Approves the Name Change
Billy Ray Cyrus took to Instagram to share his support for his daughter’s decision to go by just “Miley,” drawing comparisons to legendary artists who are known by a single name. Billy Ray wrote that he told Miley he felt good about the choice, citing icons such as Dolly Parton, Cher, Elvis Presley, and Prince.
“It’s a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend,” Billy Ray wrote on Instagram. “And the legend continues! Looking forward to the new album.”
The country singer also noted that referring to his daughter simply as Miley is not a new habit for their family. He explained that he always called his daughter “just… Miley,” comparing it to how he always addressed his son, Braison. Billy Ray joked that his own record label should have allowed a similar single-name treatment for him prior to the 1992 release of his hit single “Achy Breaky Heart,” rather than insisting on the name “Billy Ray.”
Context of the New Era and Album Release
The name change applies strictly to Miley’s artist and stage identity for the upcoming Bass Persuades era, with reporting confirming no indication of a legal surname change. Born Destiny Hope Cyrus in November 1992 to Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus, the singer was given the childhood nickname “Smiley” before shortening it to Miley. She kept her family name professionally when she launched her career on the Disney Channel sitcom Hannah Montana, later legally changing her name to Miley Ray Cyrus in 2008.
The announcement of the name change coincides with the rollout of Bass Persuades, which arrives on September 18, 2026, alongside newly scheduled live dates. The single and video for the title track have already launched as part of the promotional cycle for the new record.
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