Miley Cyrus has revealed the medical reason behind her signature raspy voice, sharing details about a vocal condition she has lived with for years. In a candid interview on The Zane Lowe Show for Apple Music on May 21, the 32-year-old singer disclosed that she has Reinke’s edema, a condition that causes swelling in the vocal cords.
The Grammy-winning artist explained that this condition involves having a large polyp on her vocal cord, which contributes to the distinct tone and texture of her voice. While this unique sound has become her trademark, Miley described performing as a challenge, comparing it to “running a marathon with ankle weights on.”
Cyrus emphasized that although her lifestyle — including her previously hard-partying days — might have worsened the condition, it was not the cause of it. She added that her voice has always had that raspy quality, with her mother often saying she sounds like she is “talking through a radio.”
In addition to her vocal struggles, Miley also spoke about other health issues she has faced, including an ovarian cyst rupture and a knee injury sustained during a music video shoot. Despite these challenges, Cyrus continues to perform and create music that resonates with fans worldwide.
Her openness about her health highlights the perseverance behind her powerful performances and the complexity of maintaining a career in music with a medical condition affecting her voice.