Singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus has dropped her last name ahead of the release of her 10th studio album, 'Bass Persuades' — and her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, has come out firmly in support of the move. The elder Cyrus shared his thoughts publicly on X (formerly Twitter), framing the name change as a natural step for an artist of his daughter's stature.

What Billy Ray Said

In his post, Billy Ray Cyrus drew on personal history and pop-culture precedent to make his case. 'Family means more than ever now. I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley,' he wrote, adding that he had similarly always referred to his son simply as Braison. He noted that he himself was just 'CYRUS' before Achy Breaky Heart came out in 1992, and that his label, Mercury/Polygram, insisted on the 'Billy Ray' prefix — a decision he now reflects on with wry humour.

He told his daughter he felt good about her going with her first name alone, and invoked a line of single-name icons to contextualise the choice. 'I mentioned Dolly and Cher. Thinking about it more and more … Elvis … Prince … and so on. It's a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend. And the legend continues!' he wrote.

Miley's Own Words on the Album

Miley had earlier announced 'Bass Persuades' on social media with a statement that leaned into the emotional weight of music itself. 'Music takes hold of us. We feel it, sing it, sometimes dance to it, let it out and carry on. It is powerful, vulnerable, sweet and strong,' she wrote. 'Heart full, heartache, every part of life in between. That's what the title means to me. Thank you for being a part of making my wildest dreams come true. I sincerely hope you love this album.'

The Bigger Picture: A Career in Constant Evolution

The name change is the latest chapter in Miley Cyrus's well-documented artistic evolution — from teen idol on Disney Channel's Hannah Montana to a critically recognised pop force whose sound blends pop, rock, and country. Her 2024 Grammy win for 'Flowers' marked a commercial and critical peak, and 'Bass Persuades' arrives with considerable anticipation. Notably, the single-name move mirrors a broader pattern among generational pop artists who reach a point where their first name alone carries enough cultural weight to stand alone.

What's Next

No release date for 'Bass Persuades' has been officially confirmed at the time of writing. Billy Ray's public endorsement, however, has already amplified conversation around the album, with the post drawing wide attention online. Fans and industry watchers will be watching closely to see how Miley — performing and releasing music under just her first name — positions the record.