Miley Cyrus
July 2007
This is Miley Cyrus's time to shine, for sure! The multi-talented young star of Disney ChannelsHannah Montana is breaking out big with a new DVD called Hannah Montana: Pop Star Profileand a special double CD, Hannah Montana 2/Meet Miley Cyrus. Recently, IML got a chance to talk to Miley after she performed a special free concert in Hollywood to celebrate these releases...and discovered why outside the spotlight, shes not so different from any other teen!
IML: How do you do it? Do you just sing them out?
Miley: I sing them out or play my guitar. I've actually had a melody on my guitar since the day I learned how to play it, back when I was 7. And for some reason I can't add lyrics to it. It's the only song I've never been able to add lyrics to!
IML: How does acting compare to singing onstage?
Miley: Right now acting is still part of my life but I'm really excited for my new tour. Those minutes that I'm on stage are the best! Being there and looking at the crowd and seeing their faces, hearing them sing the positive words from the songs. Hearing them say things like "Life's what you make it," it's really important to me.
July 2007
This is Miley Cyrus's time to shine, for sure! The multi-talented young star of Disney ChannelsHannah Montana is breaking out big with a new DVD called Hannah Montana: Pop Star Profileand a special double CD, Hannah Montana 2/Meet Miley Cyrus. Recently, IML got a chance to talk to Miley after she performed a special free concert in Hollywood to celebrate these releases...and discovered why outside the spotlight, shes not so different from any other teen!
IML: Today at the beginning of the concert, you lost your sound for a few secondsbut you handled it really well!
Miley: Thanks! I was like, what can I do about it? I can't go fix that sound right now, so Ill just keep singing and hopefully the microphone will turn on anytime now!
Miley: Thanks! I was like, what can I do about it? I can't go fix that sound right now, so Ill just keep singing and hopefully the microphone will turn on anytime now!
IML: When you're working on Hannah Montana, you do school on the set. But where do you go to school when you're not working on the show?
Miley: I go to school at a place called Options For Youth. I have a teacher there and people are always saying, "Oh, I bet he gives you an easy time because of your situation." No way! He's more hard core! He's like, "Everyone's watching me because of you, so youd better get it done! Actually, I only have one more week left if I focus. A big IF!
Miley: I go to school at a place called Options For Youth. I have a teacher there and people are always saying, "Oh, I bet he gives you an easy time because of your situation." No way! He's more hard core! He's like, "Everyone's watching me because of you, so youd better get it done! Actually, I only have one more week left if I focus. A big IF!
IML: How does your school schedule compare to your work schedule?
Miley: It's intense! My shooting schedule is easy compared to what I do at school. This was the rule, that acting and singing is my "side stuff." If you came to my school you'd see a whole different side of me. There I'm like, Okay, it's time to get down and study.
Miley: It's intense! My shooting schedule is easy compared to what I do at school. This was the rule, that acting and singing is my "side stuff." If you came to my school you'd see a whole different side of me. There I'm like, Okay, it's time to get down and study.
IML: What are your favorite subjects?
Miley: Language is my favorite. Math I really do not like. I'm pretty good at it, but I can't focus on it for my life. This year I've finally figured out that I don't like numbers!
Miley: Language is my favorite. Math I really do not like. I'm pretty good at it, but I can't focus on it for my life. This year I've finally figured out that I don't like numbers!
IML: You wrote or co-wrote seven of the songs on Meet Miley Cyrus. Where do you get your ideas?
Miley: Mostly from realizing the experiences that happen with my family and friends. I write all the time. I was writing songs last night, any time I get a chance. Hey, maybe that's why my voice is going today...I shouldn't have stayed up until 2 in the morning writing songs! But you just get so into it that you can't stop.
Miley: Mostly from realizing the experiences that happen with my family and friends. I write all the time. I was writing songs last night, any time I get a chance. Hey, maybe that's why my voice is going today...I shouldn't have stayed up until 2 in the morning writing songs! But you just get so into it that you can't stop.
IML: How do you do it? Do you just sing them out?Miley: I sing them out or play my guitar. I've actually had a melody on my guitar since the day I learned how to play it, back when I was 7. And for some reason I can't add lyrics to it. It's the only song I've never been able to add lyrics to!
IML: So Miley Stewart has her own fashion sense, and Hannah Montana has her own fashion sense. What about you?
Miley: I love tube socks! That's why I'm wearing them today. Everyone's like, "What's with those socks?" But that's my style.
Miley: I love tube socks! That's why I'm wearing them today. Everyone's like, "What's with those socks?" But that's my style.
IML: Do you think that, if you weren't on Hannah Montana, you would watch it?
Miley: I actually think about that when I watch it. It's hard, because I've already worked on a particular show for a week and I know everything that's happened already. When I watch, I'm like, "Okay, I've seen this already," and I get spaced out. I've tried to watch it and see what I would like about it, and what the fans like about it.
Miley: I actually think about that when I watch it. It's hard, because I've already worked on a particular show for a week and I know everything that's happened already. When I watch, I'm like, "Okay, I've seen this already," and I get spaced out. I've tried to watch it and see what I would like about it, and what the fans like about it.
IML: How does acting compare to singing onstage?Miley: Right now acting is still part of my life but I'm really excited for my new tour. Those minutes that I'm on stage are the best! Being there and looking at the crowd and seeing their faces, hearing them sing the positive words from the songs. Hearing them say things like "Life's what you make it," it's really important to me.
IML: So we all know that Miley Stewart on the show has a really big secret. How are you at keeping secrets?
Miley: I don't keep secrets because I'm no good at them! If you were my friend, I'd tell you not to tell me a secret, like who you have a crush on. Because you'd come over to my house and someone there would say something like, "Oh my gosh, I cannot believe you like him!" My best friend works at Smoothie King and she has a crush on her manager. Of course I ended up telling my mom. The next time my friend walked in the door, my mom said, I had no idea that you like him! I am best friends with his mother! I will totally talk to her for you." I was like, "Oh no Mom, please stop...she's going to kill me!" So I stopped asking secrets. Don't tell me. I don't want to know.
Miley: I don't keep secrets because I'm no good at them! If you were my friend, I'd tell you not to tell me a secret, like who you have a crush on. Because you'd come over to my house and someone there would say something like, "Oh my gosh, I cannot believe you like him!" My best friend works at Smoothie King and she has a crush on her manager. Of course I ended up telling my mom. The next time my friend walked in the door, my mom said, I had no idea that you like him! I am best friends with his mother! I will totally talk to her for you." I was like, "Oh no Mom, please stop...she's going to kill me!" So I stopped asking secrets. Don't tell me. I don't want to know.
IML: What's your definition of a friend?
Miley: I actually have a song called "True Friend." I think a true friend is someone who's there during the ups and the downs. There have been a lot of positive things in my life, but there have also been some negative parts too. There are things that aren't so fun to deal with, not just for me but for my friends. So I think that's what makes a true friend: being there and listening through everything.
Miley: I actually have a song called "True Friend." I think a true friend is someone who's there during the ups and the downs. There have been a lot of positive things in my life, but there have also been some negative parts too. There are things that aren't so fun to deal with, not just for me but for my friends. So I think that's what makes a true friend: being there and listening through everything.
IML: What kind of qualities do you look for in a guy?
Miley: Well, hed better turn on that charm! I'm from the South and I'm all about Southern hospitality. Our family is so funny because we're really set in our old traditions from Tennessee. Like when we walk in the house -- shoes off! I'll be like, "Mom, nobody does that," and she'll say, "That's the way they do it back home and we're not changing for anybody!" We're all about fun most of the time, but we're also about respect, with "Yes, sir" and that kind of thing. Common courtesy is important to us. I think a guy should be able to turn on the charm and not be fake about it. He has to be a gentleman. I've got high standards...as I should, my dad says! All girls should!
Miley: Well, hed better turn on that charm! I'm from the South and I'm all about Southern hospitality. Our family is so funny because we're really set in our old traditions from Tennessee. Like when we walk in the house -- shoes off! I'll be like, "Mom, nobody does that," and she'll say, "That's the way they do it back home and we're not changing for anybody!" We're all about fun most of the time, but we're also about respect, with "Yes, sir" and that kind of thing. Common courtesy is important to us. I think a guy should be able to turn on the charm and not be fake about it. He has to be a gentleman. I've got high standards...as I should, my dad says! All girls should!
IML: What do you do for exercise?
Miley: I ride my bike four miles every day. I do that. I actually collect bikes!
Miley: I ride my bike four miles every day. I do that. I actually collect bikes!
IML: When youre not making music, what kind of music to you listen to?
Miley: I listen to a little bit of everything. My favorite group right now is actually The Wreckers but my favorite artist of all time is Willie Nelson. I love Willie! And Dolly Parton. I love all the old bluegrass artists.
Miley: I listen to a little bit of everything. My favorite group right now is actually The Wreckers but my favorite artist of all time is Willie Nelson. I love Willie! And Dolly Parton. I love all the old bluegrass artists.
IML: Here on IML, we have a question that asks, If you could have any celebrity sibling, who would you pick? And so many IMLers said they'd love to have you as their sister!
Miley: Wow, that's so cool! Im flattered!
Miley: Wow, that's so cool! Im flattered!
IML: You have two brothers and two sisters. Do you think youre a good sister to them?
Miley: Well, I don't know if my little sister would say that right now...We had an argument last night because she wanted to sleep with the TV on and I didn't. We've been sharing a room for a little while. Ugh! She also sleeps with a nightlight on and I didn't want that on last night. But I think I'm a pretty good sister. When I'm traveling I always bring stuff back for my sibs.
Miley: Well, I don't know if my little sister would say that right now...We had an argument last night because she wanted to sleep with the TV on and I didn't. We've been sharing a room for a little while. Ugh! She also sleeps with a nightlight on and I didn't want that on last night. But I think I'm a pretty good sister. When I'm traveling I always bring stuff back for my sibs.
IML: What do you do when you get into fights?
Miley: I lock myself in my room. I'm the middle child, so I've got an older brother and sister who will be like, "You're acting so immature" and then I'll say, "Well, I am younger than you!" Then I've got a younger brother and sister and I'll say that to them, and they'll say the same thing back. We fight back and forth and it always helps to get away from it for a bit. My mom is always like, "Rest on it, then wake up and say what you have to say." Especially when I get tired and hungry, I get cranky and say things I regret.
Miley: I lock myself in my room. I'm the middle child, so I've got an older brother and sister who will be like, "You're acting so immature" and then I'll say, "Well, I am younger than you!" Then I've got a younger brother and sister and I'll say that to them, and they'll say the same thing back. We fight back and forth and it always helps to get away from it for a bit. My mom is always like, "Rest on it, then wake up and say what you have to say." Especially when I get tired and hungry, I get cranky and say things I regret.
IML: What's the best advice your dad has ever given you?
Miley: He always says, if you ain't having fun, it ain't worth it. It's all about having a good time.
Miley: He always says, if you ain't having fun, it ain't worth it. It's all about having a good time.
IML: Does he ever ground you?
Miley: My dad has never grounded me. He's more of the "fun" parent. He tells my mom to do it! He'll say, "She was so bad today, you've got to ground her!" But me and my dad actually got into our first fight in forever; we never fight, it's so weird. If we feel like we're both in a bad mood, we just don't talk. I was late leaving the set one day because I had to get my makeup done, I got into the products. He was waiting for an hour in the car. So we got into a fight and he told my mom to ground me.
Miley: My dad has never grounded me. He's more of the "fun" parent. He tells my mom to do it! He'll say, "She was so bad today, you've got to ground her!" But me and my dad actually got into our first fight in forever; we never fight, it's so weird. If we feel like we're both in a bad mood, we just don't talk. I was late leaving the set one day because I had to get my makeup done, I got into the products. He was waiting for an hour in the car. So we got into a fight and he told my mom to ground me.
IML: What's your advice for other young people who want to get into acting or singing?
Miley: I think just believe in yourself and be true to yourself. When I was younger my mom would say that and I'd think, that's so silly, like that ever really works. It's acting! But my mom said that even when you're on camera and in character, you have to be true to yourself. Because you don't want to be putting on a show for the rest of your life. The other thing she says is that it's a hard way up to the top but it's easy coming right back down, so you have to never stop working and keep yourself rested, and when you need a break, take a break.
Miley: I think just believe in yourself and be true to yourself. When I was younger my mom would say that and I'd think, that's so silly, like that ever really works. It's acting! But my mom said that even when you're on camera and in character, you have to be true to yourself. Because you don't want to be putting on a show for the rest of your life. The other thing she says is that it's a hard way up to the top but it's easy coming right back down, so you have to never stop working and keep yourself rested, and when you need a break, take a break.
IML: Were you one of those little kids doing a dance routine in front of the mirror with a hairbrush as a microphone?
Miley: I was! I was always singing the loudest in the shower. I'd be in there for 45 minutes singing. And I still do! Sometimes I come home and I have my own concert!
Miley: I was! I was always singing the loudest in the shower. I'd be in there for 45 minutes singing. And I still do! Sometimes I come home and I have my own concert!
IML: What's the toughest thing about living in the spotlight?
Miley: I think just having a camera on you all the time gets kind of frustrating, because if you make a mistake, like if you say or do something really stupid, the whole world knows about it. It's not just your family or friends. Sometimes I'll watch something back and think, "What am I doing? I'm like the biggest geek!" Sometimes my friends will call me and say, "Did you see that commercial? You were such a nerd!" And I'm like, "Thanks guys, I love you too!"
Miley: I think just having a camera on you all the time gets kind of frustrating, because if you make a mistake, like if you say or do something really stupid, the whole world knows about it. It's not just your family or friends. Sometimes I'll watch something back and think, "What am I doing? I'm like the biggest geek!" Sometimes my friends will call me and say, "Did you see that commercial? You were such a nerd!" And I'm like, "Thanks guys, I love you too!"
IML: So even though you're in the spotlight, do you still have to do chores at home like other teens?
Miley: I do. I just learned how to use the dishwasher. That was our rule. The first time, it was like a movie. The bubbles started coming out. I was like, "Oh wait, maybe I'm not supposed to just pour the soap all over the inside. Oh, that little container? That's where I'm supposed to put it! I got in so much trouble. Also when I was doing laundry, I shrunk my mother's favorite pair of jeans. In my family, because our legs are so long, we're not supposed to put jeans in the dryer because they'll shrink up, we have to hang them outside to dry the old fashioned way. Now she's got really cute capris!
Miley: I do. I just learned how to use the dishwasher. That was our rule. The first time, it was like a movie. The bubbles started coming out. I was like, "Oh wait, maybe I'm not supposed to just pour the soap all over the inside. Oh, that little container? That's where I'm supposed to put it! I got in so much trouble. Also when I was doing laundry, I shrunk my mother's favorite pair of jeans. In my family, because our legs are so long, we're not supposed to put jeans in the dryer because they'll shrink up, we have to hang them outside to dry the old fashioned way. Now she's got really cute capris!
IML: Because youre photographed so much, do you have any advice for other young people on how to put your best self forward?
Miley: My mom always gets on me because I slouch, and I do something weird where I put my arms forward and hunch myself over. She'll say, "You look miserable!" and I'm like, "I'm not!" I think always present yourself very confidently and stand up straight. Always feel good on the inside and feel that you're ready to take on the world.
Miley: My mom always gets on me because I slouch, and I do something weird where I put my arms forward and hunch myself over. She'll say, "You look miserable!" and I'm like, "I'm not!" I think always present yourself very confidently and stand up straight. Always feel good on the inside and feel that you're ready to take on the world.
IML: Thats excellent advice! Thanks, and good luck!
Miley: Thank you!
Miley: Thank you!
