After completely altering her look, singer Miley Cyrus took the stage at the 2013 Video Music Awards. Her VMA performance consisted of her sporting a nude colored bra and underwear ensemble, twerking with a foam finger and vulgarly dancing with performer Robin Thicke. Although it left many people speechless, some couldn’t help but tweet about the controversial performance.  The 19 million tweets generated in response to the performance ranged from supportive to pure disapproving , but the general consensus on the performance was nothing short of pure shock.

     “Miley’s VMA performance almost made me sad in a way,” Senior Ellen DiDia explains, “ It was very unexpected – it was a bad change from how she used to be.”

     Immediately following Miley’s controversial VMA incident came the release the music video for her new single “Wrecking Ball.” Breaking the VEVO record of most views in 24 hours, the music video was an immediate hit- but perhaps not for positive reasons. “Wrecking Ball” is a very relaxed, touching, meaningful song- but her music could be perceived as just the opposite. Opening with a close up shot on Miley, teary-eyed and passionately singing, the video begins to appear to be restrained and subtle. But as the video goes on, it leads to Miley, naked, violently swinging back and forth on a wrecking ball, licking a sledgehammer.

     “I don’t get it,” says Senior Chloe Strippoli as she talks about her feelings for Miley’s music video, “I guess it’s an artistic statement, but it’s still really bizarre.”

     Soon after the debut of her “Wrecking Ball” video, Miley released a statement explaining the video, in response to the endless commentary from viewers. Miley explains the symbolism behind her seemingly vulgar actions and gestures in the music video; one example would be how her licking the sledgehammer is symbolic of the love she has for the pain that her past relationship caused her. In her statement, Miley speaks of how if people would look past the surface, and really focus on the song and the meaning, they would see how much hurt she has been suffering through, and how torn she really is.

       Opinions on “The New Miley” range dependent on the person.  “Although I don’t think she’s going about it the right way, I think Miley is doing everything for a reason,” explains Senior Brielle Cummings. “She doesn’t always clarify it right away, but all the crazy things she’s been doing have really good meanings behind them.” Oppositely,  VHS Junior Jackie Brunner disapprovingly speaks of Miley’s actions. “I don’t think Miley is making the transition from child star to adult star in the right way,” Jackie says.  “She needs to tone it down. The way she is acting out and being rebellious is almost showing how immature she really is.”

     Whether team “Old Miley” or team “New Miley,” everyone can agree that Miley Cyrus has captured the minds and attention of all. The talk of the town, everyone is waiting for what she is going to do next.