Popular American singer Miley Cyrus has revealed that her unique, husky voice is due to a medical condition called Reinke’s edema, which affects her vocal cords. Despite the challenges it poses, especially during performances, the 32-year-old singer chooses not to get surgery for fear of losing her distinctive sound.
Miley Cyrus Explains the Reason Behind Her Unique Voice
Miley Cyrus, the famous American singer known for her hit song “Flowers” and her distinct husky voice, has opened up about a medical condition that affects her vocal cords. In a recent interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Cyrus spoke about having Reinke’s edema.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Reinke’s edema is a “noncancerous vocal cord disorder” that mainly causes hoarseness and a deeper voice.
Cyrus described the condition as “abuse of the vocal cords.” While she admitted that her early career habits, like “Being 21 and staying up and drinking and smoking and partying after every show does not help,” she clarified that these activities did not cause her condition. She stated, “But also in my case, it does not cause it. So my voice always sounded like this — it’s a part of my unique anatomy.”
The 32-year-old singer is so committed to her signature sound that she doesn’t want to get the condition treated. She has a “large polyp on my cords,” and she’s “not willing to sever it ever, because the chance of waking up from a surgery and not sounding like myself is a probability.”
Cyrus admitted that performing with this vocal issue can be tough. She compared it to “running a marathon with ankle weights on.” This also means that going on tour and performing live can be a challenge.
She emphasized her commitment to live singing, saying, “I don’t lip-sync. I sing live, and these songs are big. I don’t write little songs.”
Local Relief Efforts (Health Awareness): While Miley Cyrus’s condition is specific to vocal cords, it highlights the importance of understanding and addressing unique health challenges. In India, there are various medical professionals, including ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialists and speech therapists, who can diagnose and help manage vocal disorders. Awareness campaigns often promote voice health, especially for professionals who rely on their voices, like singers, teachers, and public speakers. If someone experiences persistent changes in their voice, it is always advisable to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and guidance.
Editor’s Note: This article has been adapted from an Associated Press news report titled “Miley Cyrus explains the medical condition behind her raspy voice,” published on May 23, 2025.
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