Miley Cyrus Can’t Be Tamed

Ellen Gustavson/Staff Writer

While Miley Cyrus may claim she can no longer be tamed, her attempt to break out of her role as a Disney poster girl is just lame.

Released on Myspace on April 30 and available to digitally download as of today, Cyrus’s latest music video, Can’t Be Tamed has caused quite a stir among viewers, whether they are fans or not. While her die-hard supporters maintain that she simply wants to break out of her goody-goody Hannah Montana image and express her individuality, those who are not fans bluntly point out: Cyrus looks like a slut.

Many parents of Hannah Montana-loving girls are outraged about both Cyrus’s lyrics and attire (or lack thereof) in this video, and rightfully so. However, Cyrus has made it obvious that she no longer wishes to target the Disney age group. This is not the first time Cyrus has displayed racey behavior. With the release of controversial pictures in Vanity Fair two years ago and provocative dancing at the Teen Choice Awards last August, critical parents could have seen a video like this coming.

However, if Cyrus keeps going in this direction, she could find herself following in the footsteps of Britney Spears. Though few may remember, Spears was once a Disney Channel icon too, being featured on the show The New Mickey Mouse Club back in 1994. In fact, she was the same age as Cyrus now when she released her debut single, Baby One More Time. Cyrus also mentions Spears as one of her biggest sources of inspiration and references her in Party in the U.S.A.

Personally, I feel this video just looks like a combination of a Lady Gaga and Rihanna music video, with choreography that could have been done by a four- year-old. Her voice meets its usual awful standard, singing repetitive lyrics that becomes obnoxious within minutes. Not to mention the fact that her outfit takes the metaphor of “spreading one’s wings” or “leaving the nest” way, way too literally.

It seems Cyrus only wants to get a reaction. Any kind of attention is good attention for her, and this video will definitely receive it. While wanting to “break out” is fine, Cyrus needs to realize that acting mature doesn’t require dirty dancing. She is trying too hard to change her image, and it just looks unoriginal to the point of being laughable.

Next time, at least lose the feathers.