Four nominations weren’t enough to summon Miley Cyrus to this evening’s MTV VMAs in Elmont, New York. The star wasn’t spotted on the red carpet and likely skipped due to her nods being in more minor categories, with the exception of the highly competitive Best Pop Artist award.

Cyrus is up for Best Pop Artist, Best Long Form Video (“Something Beautiful”), Best Art Direction (“End of the World”), and Best Cinematography (“Easy Lover”).

Cyrus was nominated in four major categories, including Video of the Year, Best Pop, Best Collaboration, and Best Direction. Her latest era, propelled by the critical and commercial success of her 2024 album Eternal Summer, brought her back to the forefront of pop music with a more mature and introspective sound. Songs like “Golden Flame” and “Forever Mine” not only topped charts but also showcased a level of artistry that critics praised as some of her finest work to date. With such strong momentum, many expected Miley to use the VMAs as a platform to highlight this new chapter in her career. Instead, her absence created a different kind of headline—one that overshadowed even some of the night’s winners.

The decision to skip the VMAs was not officially explained by Cyrus herself, though insiders close to her team hinted at several possible reasons. Some speculated it was due to scheduling conflicts, as the singer has been preparing for her upcoming world tour, set to launch in October. Others suggested that Miley has grown disillusioned with the VMAs as a platform, given its reputation for prioritizing shock value and viral moments over genuine artistry. Cyrus, who has often spoken candidly about her complicated relationship with fame and the entertainment industry, may have simply chosen to protect her peace and focus on her artistry rather than engage with the spectacle of awards shows.

Cyrus last attended the VMAs in 2020:

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In July, Cyrus spoke to ELLE about her latest album Something Beautiful and why she finds beauty even in life’s darkest moments. “You can miss something or someone deeply, while still looking forward to what is to come next,” she said. “Like destruction, death, disappointment—they all can be looked at as an ending, but I’ve always seen them as the beginning of something new.”

She added that she is happy with the reception to her visual album, which she released in May. “It’s been a dream to create something and watch it live independently out in the world,” she said. “[It has] taught me a new sense of trust that everything happens in the way that was divinely planned, to learn to let go and to enjoy the process as much as success.”

Generally in life, “everything I do is at a 10,” she said. “I’ve always been that way. I run on passion and inspiration, and so no matter what it is, big or small, my heart has to be on fire to even entertain whatever it is.”

Miley Cyrus was one of the most talked-about names ahead of the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, not only because she earned four nominations, but also because she ultimately chose not to attend the star-studded ceremony. Her absence left fans puzzled, especially since Cyrus has a long history with the VMAs—one marked by unforgettable performances, bold fashion statements, and viral moments that have cemented her as a cultural icon of the show. The decision to skip the event sparked countless conversations online, raising questions about why one of the night’s most celebrated nominees decided not to show up.

Fans of Miley Cyrus were divided on her decision. While many expressed disappointment, hoping for a performance or at least a red-carpet appearance, others applauded her for stepping back from the spotlight on her own terms. Social media was flooded with both speculation and admiration, with hashtags like #WeMissYouMiley and #MileyDeservesBetter trending during the broadcast. Supporters argued that her music speaks louder than any awards show appearance, while critics felt that missing the VMAs was a missed opportunity to remind the world of her powerful stage presence.

The absence was particularly striking given Cyrus’s history with the VMAs. Her 2013 performance with Robin Thicke remains one of the most talked-about moments in the show’s history, sparking debates about pop culture, sexuality, and performance art. Two years later, she returned as the host of the 2015 VMAs, where her eccentric outfits and unpredictable antics kept viewers on edge. More recently, her 2020 performance of “Midnight Sky” was hailed as one of the highlights of the night. By not attending in 2025, Miley broke a pattern of being a constant presence at the event, reinforcing the idea that she may be moving away from relying on shock-driven platforms to define her career.

Industry insiders have noted that Cyrus’s decision could reflect a broader trend among artists who no longer view award shows as essential to their success. In recent years, stars like Drake, Frank Ocean, and The Weeknd have openly criticized or boycotted ceremonies, citing a lack of transparency, inclusivity, or relevance. For an artist like Miley, who has already proven her ability to command attention and sell out tours without the need for such platforms, the VMAs may no longer hold the same weight they once did. Skipping the ceremony could be her way of aligning with a growing movement of artists prioritizing authenticity over traditional industry validation.

Despite her absence, Miley Cyrus’s influence was still felt throughout the night. Clips from her nominated videos played during the broadcast, and her fans made sure her name trended on social media as much as some of the performers on stage. Several presenters and artists even referenced her in interviews, acknowledging her impact on the music scene over the past year. The fact that she could dominate conversations without physically being there speaks volumes about her lasting relevance and the devoted fanbase that continues to champion her work.

Cyrus’s no-show also reignited conversations about the purpose of award shows in the modern music landscape. While the VMAs were once considered a cultural benchmark for relevance and innovation, the rise of streaming platforms and social media has shifted the balance of power. Artists can now connect directly with their fans, bypassing traditional industry gatekeepers. Miley’s absence served as a reminder that artists no longer need the VMAs in the same way they once did. Her decision symbolized a generational shift in how musicians choose to define success and engage with their audiences.

For fans who hoped to see Cyrus collect her awards in person, the night ended with some disappointment, but it also sparked anticipation for her next moves. Her upcoming world tour is already one of the most highly anticipated of the year, and many believe she will use the stage to deliver performances that far outshine anything an award show could provide. If Miley wanted to send a message with her absence, it may have been that she no longer needs the VMAs as a stage—because she already has one that’s bigger, bolder, and entirely her own.

Ultimately, Miley Cyrus’s decision to skip the 2025 MTV VMAs despite four nominations was both surprising and revealing. It highlighted her growth as an artist who refuses to play by industry rules and emphasized her commitment to forging her own path. While some fans may have felt her absence, others saw it as a powerful statement about independence and self-prioritization. Whether intentional or not, Miley managed to dominate the conversation without stepping foot on the carpet, proving once again that her influence transcends traditional platforms. In the end, her absence may have said more about where she is as an artist than any acceptance speech ever could.