At a heartfelt Spotify screening in New York, Miley Cyrus reflects on the fire that destroyed her Malibu home — and why she now calls it the greatest blessing of her life.
Miley Cyrus stood on stage in a quiet New York theatre on May 6, 2025, surrounded by longtime fans and creative collaborators, as she unveiled a deeply personal visual project — Something Beautiful. Presented by Spotify at Metrograph, the evening was more than just a sneak peek into a new era; it became a space for reflection, resilience, and raw honesty.
Among the many touching moments during the Q&A, one resonated with particular poignance: the 2018 fire that destroyed her Malibu home. Instead of revisiting the tragedy with sorrow, the Grammy-winning artist shared how that dark chapter transformed her life.
“The Biggest Blessing”
“When my house burned down, that was the biggest blessing I’ve ever had in my life, actually,” Cyrus told the crowd, responding to a heartfelt question from longtime fan Matt Peterson about advice she’d offer her younger self.
It was a statement that surprised many — not because of the event’s impact, but because of the clarity with which Cyrus now views it. “Losing everything and being able to rebuild… and to be able to be purposeful and choose every piece that I’m gonna collect — or also just about the people in my life — that was magic,” she explained.
In the wake of the fire, which destroyed the home she once shared with then-husband Liam Hemsworth, Cyrus was forced to reassess not only her possessions but also her relationships. “When my house burned down, a lot of my relationships also burned down,” she said. “And that again just led me to such magic and to have so much gratitude.”
Rebuilding Through Music
That sense of renewal pulses through Something Beautiful, a visual album set for release on May 30, with its companion film premiering at the Tribeca Festival in New York City on June 6. Cyrus hopes the project will speak directly to those who have followed her through the highs and lows of her journey.
“This album has to start with me loving it,” she said with conviction. “And then the love that I have for it, whether you know it or not, it’s gonna be coming through the speakers when you’re listening.”
The evening wasn’t just a launch event — it was a full-circle moment for an artist who’s never shied away from evolution. From Hannah Montana to Bangerz, and now to a meditative, emotionally rich project like Something Beautiful, Cyrus has always worn her transformation in public view.
A Relationship Years in the Making
Looking around the theatre, Cyrus acknowledged how deep her connection with her fans runs. “People say we grew up together, and we really did,” she said, noting how their shared history made the film feel even more potent. “It’s cool to be in a room full of people I’ve never met… and you’re not that strange.”
She laughed, referencing memories both small and profound: “Remember when my house burned down?” she said, and the audience murmured their agreement. “Remember when my fish died?” She smiled. “Yeah.”
The crowd laughed knowingly, recalling the 2015 track Pablow the Blowfish, a tender ode to her late pet. “It’s so nice that I have millions of people that are like, ‘Damn, Pablow… R.I.P.’”
Looking Ahead with Grace
With Something Beautiful, Cyrus doesn’t just share new music — she opens a window into her process of healing and rediscovery. “What I would have told my younger self,” she said, “is to appreciate those darker times because they are only leading you into the light.”
It’s a sentiment that encapsulates this new chapter: one not defined by pain, but by purpose. In turning the ashes of a former life into art that speaks of rebirth, gratitude, and self-love, Miley Cyrus reminds us that beauty doesn’t just come from perfection — it often grows from the ruins.
And with Something Beautiful, she’s inviting the world to see what she’s built in its place.
