Miley Cyrus recently treated her fans to a nostalgic surprise during an intimate concert, performing her iconic song "The Climb" for the first time in years. The performance, which took place at a private event at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, left the audience in awe and sparked a wave of nostalgia among longtime fans.
The exclusive event was held on May 27, 2025, in celebration of Cyrus's new album, "Something Beautiful," which was released on May 30. The Chateau Marmont was transformed into an intimate setting where Cyrus could connect with her fans, family, and friends. The guest list included Cyrus's mother, Tish, her sister Brandi, and other close friends. The venue buzzed with excitement as attendees anticipated the evening's performances.
Cyrus took the stage wearing a dazzling, semi-sheer ivory mini-dress from Roberto Cavalli. The dress, reminiscent of the flapper era, featured a halter neckline and was adorned with clear crystals and dripping white teardrop crystals and beads. She paired the dress with strappy silver stiletto heels and styled her hair in wild, Southern-inspired curls, paying homage to her Tennessee roots.
The setlist included tracks from her new album, "Something Beautiful," such as "End of the World," "More to Lose," and "Easy Lover," as well as her more recent hit, "Flowers." However, the highlight of the night was undoubtedly her surprise performance of "The Climb," a ballad originally released in 2009 as part of the "Hannah Montana: The Movie" soundtrack. It was the first time Cyrus had publicly performed the beloved song in years.
Before launching into the song, Cyrus playfully teased the audience, saying, "I'm not singing 'The Climb,' but I could." The crowd erupted as pianist Michael Pollack began playing the opening chords. As Cyrus sang, she paused to ask, "Is that the right word?" and "Do you know the chorus?" encouraging the audience to sing along. The 100-person audience enthusiastically joined in, creating a memorable and heartwarming moment.
Cyrus also shared a lighthearted moment with her band, joking that her drummer and boyfriend, Maxx Morando, had "been waiting since middle school" to play the song. Morando, along with guitarist Jonathan Rado and pianist Michael Pollack, joined Cyrus on stage, adding to the intimate and collaborative atmosphere of the concert.
The performance of "The Climb" was particularly meaningful, given Cyrus's recent recognition as a Disney Legend in August 2024. During her acceptance speech, she reflected on her years as Hannah Montana, stating, "A little bit of everything has changed, but at the same time, nothing has changed at all. I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana." The surprise performance of "The Climb" served as a touching tribute to her roots and a celebration of her evolution as an artist.
In addition to the musical performances, Cyrus shared her thoughts on her new album, "Something Beautiful," describing it as a reflection of her life and experiences. She explained that the album's songs were carefully sequenced to create an immersive and operatic journey for the listener. The album is accompanied by a visual film that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 6, further enhancing the album's themes.
Following the private concert, Cyrus expressed her gratitude to her fans, family, and friends for their support. She shared pictures and clips from the event on Instagram, captioning the post, "Last night at the Chateau Marmont celebrating the release of Something Beautiful with a live performance for my fans, family & friends… who to me, are all one and the same. Always, Miley."
The surprise performance of "The Climb" at the private concert not only delighted fans but also highlighted Cyrus's ability to connect with her audience on a personal level. The nostalgic moment served as a reminder of her journey as an artist and the enduring power of her music.
