Miley Cyrus rebrands ahead of her 10th studio album
By Katemarthason Okudo, September 2, 2026American singer and actress Miley Cyrus, popularly known as Hannah Montana, has dropped her surname from her professional name, choosing to be known simply as Miley as she prepares to release her 10th studio album, Bass Persuades.
The change became noticeable on her official social media accounts and website around Monday, August 31, 2026, before she announced details of the new album. While she has not given a separate explanation for dropping ‘Cyrus’, the move marks a new chapter in her music career. Warner’s announcement for the album also refers to her simply as Miley.
She announced it on September 1, 2026, confirming that Bass Persuades will be released on September 18, 2026. The album follows Something Beautiful, which was released in 2025, and will be her 10th studio album.
Miley explains meaning behind album title
Alongside the album announcement, Miley shared a reflection on what music means to her and why she chose the title Bass Persuades.
She described music as something that can capture different emotions and experiences, from happiness and love to heartbreak. “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.
Miley added that the album title represents the different experiences people go through in life. “Heart full, heartache, every part of life in between. That’s what the title means to me,” she said.
From Hannah Montana to Miley
Miley’s decision to use one name comes years after she became known worldwide through Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana.
The series premiered in March 2006 and followed Miley Stewart, a teenager living a double life as the fictional pop star Hannah Montana. Cyrus played both Miley Stewart and her stage alter ego, making the character a major part of her early career.
The role helped establish her as a young singer and actress before she went on to build a separate music career under her real name, Miley Cyrus.
She has since released albums including Bangerz, Younger Now, Plastic Hearts, Endless Summer Vacation and Something Beautiful.
Joining the one-name club
By professionally using just Miley, she joins a long list of established artistes who are widely recognised by one name. The group includes Madonna, Cher, Beyoncé, Adele, Rihanna and Prince, among other artistes who have built strong identities around a single professional name.
For Miley, the change comes at a time when she is also entering another stage of her music career, with Bass Persuades due for release later this month.
Thanking her fans for supporting her journey, she said she hoped they would connect with the new project. “Thank you for being a part of making my wildest dreams come true. I sincerely hope you love this album,” Miley said.