Miley Cyrus Broke Down While Performing 'Wrecking Ball' at the Super Bowl
She also threw it back by belting out "The Climb."
![miley cyrus super bowl](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EvibAjMc6SjibNUqC2GsAB-415-80.jpg)
If you really think about it, Miley Cyrus is the ideal Super Bowl performer: The annual event is quite literally the nation's biggest party in the U.S.A., both teams have to overcome a truly taxing climb as they battle it out for the Lombardi trophy, and, more often than not, the game's MVP bursts onto the field with the speed and intensity of—say it with me—a wrecking ball. Fortunately for us all, the pop star finally fulfilled her destiny by performing at the TikTok Tailgate before Super Bowl LV in Tampa, Florida, on Feb. 7.
Cyrus' show-stopping performance took place in front of a crowd of 7,500 vaccinated healthcare workers. She wore a black leather cheerleading outfit and matching knee pads decorated with metallic magenta highlights and silver studs, and emblazoned with "FTW."
Her setlist ranged far and wide, from past singles like "The Climb," "Party in the U.S.A.," and "We Can't Stop," to "High" and "Edge of Midnight" from her most recent album, Plastic Hearts. She also showed off her cover skills by taking on her godmother Dolly Parton's "Jolene," Blondie's "Heart of Glass," and Nine Inch Nails' "Head Like a Hole," then brought out Billy Idol and Joan Jett to duet with her on some of their own hits, including "White Wedding" and "Bad Reputation."
Though the performance was full of Cyrus' signature unstoppable energy, it did take an emotional turn while she belted out "Wrecking Ball." Afterwards, per People, she attributed her tears to her habit of wearing her heart on her sleeve. "Singing that song, 'Wrecking Ball,' about feeling completely broken and shattered...everyone's suffering is different," she said. "I wear a lot of glitter and I wear a lot of armor, and I also wear my heart on my sleeve, and it gets broken a lot."
Wrecking Ball (2021 version). 😭♥️MILEY CYRUS SUPER BOWL. pic.twitter.com/zaYr7ASXCFFebruary 7, 2021
On a happier note, here's her performance of that great American classic, "The Climb." You're welcome.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Andrea Park is a Chicago-based writer and reporter with a near-encyclopedic knowledge of the extended Kardashian-Jenner kingdom, early 2000s rom-coms and celebrity book club selections. She graduated from the Columbia School of Journalism in 2017 and has also written for W, Brides, Glamour, Women's Health, People and more.
-
Jenny Is Back on the Block—and Carrying a Birkin
The singer returned to New York City with a loud luxury outfit to match.
By India Roby Published
-
Serena Williams's Post-Retirement Style Pivot Is Complete
The tennis star's fashion era is taking a turn.
By Julia Gray Published
-
If You Need Karlie Kloss, She’ll Be Sorting Her $10 Vitamin Box
“It’s an investment in my self-care.”
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Tanner Adell Says Lainey Wilson Gave Her the Best Advice About Being a Woman in Country Music
“The girls gotta have each others’ backs.”
By Sadie Bell Published
-
How the 'Twisters' Soundtrack Rides Country Music's Mainstream Storm
The summer blockbuster is blowing into theaters with storm-wrangling sequences and killer needle drops.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
No One Is Doing Bratty, Bad Girl Pop Stardom Like Charli XCX
With her new album, the British artist is filling the void.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
How Victoria Justice Learned to Use Her Voice on the Set of 'Victorious'
The former Nickelodeon star recalls what it was like to speak up to adults on set as a child.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Moonheads, Assemble: Here's Everything to Know About August Moon from 'The Idea of You'
The fictional boy band from the new rom-com was inspired by BTS, *NSYNC, and One Direction.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Best Bollywood Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.
By Andrea Park Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated