Miley Cyrus, 32, has revealed she suffers from Reinke’s edema—a vocal cord condition that’s shaped her voice and career. In an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, she called it both a challenge and a gift.

The swelling in her vocal cords gives her voice its iconic texture. “It’s like running a marathon with ankle weights,” Miley said, explaining how hard it is to perform live. Despite the struggle, she refuses surgery, fearing she may lose the voice that defines her artistry.

Cyrus says her condition wasn’t caused by partying but by her anatomy. Though touring tempts her, the physical toll and need for sustainability keep her off the road. “I don’t lip-sync—I sing live,” she emphasized.

Instead, Miley focuses on intimate creativity and meaningful fan connections. Her hit “Flowers” won her first Grammy in 2024, but she now values peace over spectacle. Reflecting on her youth, she admits, “I was harshly judged as a child by adults. I’d never do that now.”

For Miley, authenticity and self-care matter more than ever.