Miley Cyrus tears up during "Malibu" performance at Billboard Music Awards 2017

Culture

Miley Cyrus performed her latest pop-rock single "Malibu," an ode to her fiancé Liam Hemsworth, for the first time on live television at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards. The moment also marked the live-TV premiere of the singer's shift in musical style and image, following controversial comments she made in the May issue of Billboard about distancing herself from hip-hop music. 

During her twerking-obsessed Bangerz era, Cyrus favored a broader hip-hop and pop-inspired sound and closely collaborated with rapper and producer Mike Will Made It. She's now left that approach behind for the country-flavored "Malibu," as you can see in the performance clip below:

While on stage Sunday night, Cyrus sported an all-white ensemble, along with a top hat, boots and longer hair. Performing in front of beach scenery and floating balloons in the background, Cyrus also teared up during as she sang about her current love.

"Malibu" is the first single on Cyrus' forthcoming album, which is expected to release later this year.

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