Miley Cyrus: what a strange phenomenon she was for a while. A few years ago, the ex-Hannah Montana superstar was a constant source of controversy due to her drug taking, her choice of outfits and her love of exuberantly gyrating on 40-year-old R'n'B singers. But, the Miley that we knew back then seems to have undergone a serious turnaround.
Appearing back in the public realm last year, Cyrus looked more like her old self, with her long locks and a more "modest" look returning.
Miley's appearance is much more "toned down" than it used to be, with the singer also becoming a passionate and outspoken campaigner for feminism and LGBT rights.
From the outside, it appears that Cyrus has appeared to come to terms with herself and her past as Hannah Montana; something which she previously seemed desperate to shake off. So much is her apparent comfort in her own skin, the singer has even performed a few Hannah Montana songs at her most recent gigs.
During an appearance on The Late Late Show's "Carpool Karaoke" segment, Miley outlined exactly why she moved on from the days of the twerking controversy, and how she came to terms with who she is and where she's from.
James Corden, the host of the show, asked Miley what she'd "changed most" in her life since the unforgettable moment at the VMA's, and the singer responded:
"It's funny you mention the VMAs. The first VMAs in 2013, with the twerking and Robin Thicke, has led me to being the activist that I am now. Because I realised that if so many people were going to talk about something that I did, or I do, then I should make it a good thing. Something that can change people's lives rather than being a controversial conversation that does nothing but become a fun Halloween costume for people."
Cyrus went on to say that while she had previously fought hard to escape her Hannah Montana image, she has now come to terms with who she once was and is imploring others to do the same.
"There was something when I first stopped doing Hannah Montana when I was saying: "I'm not that, I want you to know who I really am." But I love that that was me, and is me, and is still a part of me. I've allowed that childhood self to shine through a little bit more because I'm not trying to run away from it, and I'm down to embrace it. I think everyone should embrace who they used to be, because it's made you who you are now."
We all try radical new looks and attitudes while we're young, it's just that Miley was trying these things in the public realm, opening her up to scorn from the media.
I think we can all agree that this new Miley is definitely an upgrade on the new one, and it's nice to see the star genuinely comfortable in her skin.
