In what might have been one of her most hotly anticipated appearances of all time, Miley Cyrus has officially returned to the public spotlight after her shock split with Liam Hemsworth was announced at the MTV VMAs.
The fact that she performed her song Slide Away for the first time on-stage was emotional enough on its own, especially given the widespread belief it was written about the couple’s breakup.
But there was another detail about the performance that seemed a little pointed – and fans reckon it was Miley’s subtle way to throw shade at her ex.
The 26-year-old looked downright stunning as she took to the MTV Awards stage (note: she appeared to skip out entirely on the red carpet), wearing an itsy LBD and rocking a wet-look hairstyle.
While Miley’s lyrics couldn’t have been more poignant given her recent split from Liam, the verses were quite harmless on paper.
“Move on, we’re not 17, I’m not who I used to be. You say that everything changed. You’re right, we’re grown now,” the song usually goes.
But Miley might have amended the lyrics somewhat during her performance, as she ended the emotional line, “You’re right, I’m grown now.”
Eep.
Miley poured her heart out on-stage.
(Getty)Miley also grabbed the attention of every man and his dog across the world for her choice in plus-one for the night.
The singer decided to bring along none other than Kaitlynn Carter, according to various media outlets, who report the pair were spotted during her rehearsal at the venue.
Kaitlynn has been at the centre of rumours that have swirled since the breakup, especially when pictures of the two women kissing swept the world.
It is believed Kaitlynn was backstage during Miley’s performance.
Kaitlynn shared a telling snap to her Instagram story on the day of Miley’s performance.
(Instagram / @kaitlynn)But shade or no shade, there’s no denying Miley absolutely nailed her performance at the awards show.
She released the song two weeks ago, shortly after it was confirmed she and Liam had decided to go their separate ways after seven months of marriage.
Miley has since been proactive in ensuring her side of the story is heard, as wild rumours continue to swirl.
Last week, she took to Twitter and Instagram to share a prolonged statement about reports claiming that she had cheated.
“I can accept that the life I’ve chosen means I must live completely open and transparent with my fans who I love, and the public, 100 per cent of the time,” she began.
“What I cannot accept is being told I’m lying to cover up a crime I haven’t committed. I have nothing to hide,” she added.
The 26-year-old has been frank about the split on her social media channels.
(Getty)Like the lyrics in her emotional song, the singer insisted in her Twitter confession that she had grown up.
“The truth is, once Liam & I reconciled,I meant it, & I was committed. There are NO secrets to uncover here. I’ve learned from every experience in my life. I’m not perfect, I don’t want to be, it’s boring. I’ve grown up in front of you, but the bottom line is, I HAVE GROWN UP,” she wrote.
Many fans praised Cyrus for coming forward.
“F**k the naysayers. You’re talented & generous. More than most of us can say. Just do your art & thrive,” one fan said.
Another wrote: “As long as you are healthy and happy, I am happy. That’s all that matters. I’m so proud to have been a fan of yours since the very beginning. Thank you for always being your genuine self.”
We’ve got to hand it to the gal, she’s definitely putting on a empowered display.
WATCH: Miley calls Liam the ‘c’ word when he pranks her:
