Miley Cyrus recently shared details about a rare medical condition called Reinke’s edema, which causes swelling in her vocal cords. This condition is a key factor behind her distinctive voice, but also presents significant challenges when performing. During an interview on Apple Music’s “The Zane Lowe Show,” she explained how the swelling creates a unique tone and texture in her singing, but also makes live performance feel like running a marathon with extra weight.
How Reinke’s Edema Impacts Speech and Why Miley Avoids Vocal Surgery
The condition affects not only her singing but also her everyday speech. Cyrus described how by the end of the day, her voice can sound fatigued and raspy, likening it to talking “through a radio.” Despite common associations of Reinke’s edema with smoking or drinking, she clarified that she has had this condition for years, long before her lifestyle habits could have influenced it, emphasizing that her voice has always been this way.
Miley Cyrus Reveals How Reinke’s Edema Shapes Her Voice and Challenges Her Touring LifestyleThough surgery is a potential treatment for Reinke’s edema, Miley has chosen to avoid it out of fear that it could alter her voice permanently. She values the uniqueness her condition gives her voice and is unwilling to risk losing it. Reinke’s edema is generally benign and non-life-threatening but can greatly affect vocal quality, with treatment options including surgery, laser therapy, or injections.
Balancing Vocal Health and Emotional Well-being While Sustaining Live Touring Demands
Miley also discussed how she balances her health with the demands of touring and live performances. She highlighted the importance of creating tours that are sustainable for her voice and body, noting that she sings live without lip-syncing, which requires careful management of her vocal health. Her team is involved in planning tours that accommodate her condition to ensure she can continue performing without damaging her voice.
In addition to vocal health, Cyrus has been open about the emotional and physical toll of intense touring. In her TikTok series “Used to Be Young,” she stressed the need for equal parts recovery and rest to maintain performance quality. She also spoke candidly about the impact of constant public scrutiny on her mental health and creativity, emphasizing that maintaining her humanity and personal connection is essential to her songwriting and overall well-being.