The iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026, held on Thursday evening, featured a star-studded lineup, but it was the apparent distance between two music icons that captured fan attention. Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus were both present at the event, yet they notably failed to pose together on the red carpet or inside the venue, despite mingling with other celebrities such as Sombr, Olympic ice skating champion Alysa Liu, and Lainey Wilson.
Fan Theories of Tension Emerge
Speculation about potential issues between Swift and Cyrus began to swirl, particularly as rumors had circulated that Swift might present an award to Cyrus, which did not materialise. Fans took to online platforms like Reddit to express their concerns, with one user commenting, 'Uh, oh, I feel bad blood between these two,' and another adding, 'The chill is in the air?' This reaction stems from their long history, dating back over 15 years to when Swift was close friends with Katy Perry, and a memorable 2009 photo of Swift and Cyrus posing together at the Grammy Salute To Industry Icons honouring Clive Davis.
A Supportive Moment Amidst the Speculation
Despite the lack of joint appearances, the cameras captured a heartwarming interaction during the awards show. When Cyrus, aged 33, took to the stage to accept her Innovator Award, Swift, 36, was seen enthusiastically clapping and cheering for her old friend. This moment provided a counterpoint to the fan theories, suggesting that any perceived tension might be overstated.
Cyrus's Innovator Award Speech and Hannah Montana Reflections
During her acceptance speech, Cyrus humorously addressed the crowd and host Ludacris, saying, 'They're going to Luda me!' and joking about time limits. She then reflected on the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana, calling it 'a dream come true' and thanking fans with a nod to her iconic double denim and gold star style.
Cyrus also shared a 'no shade' story highlighting Swift's early career contributions. She revealed that Swift wrote the song 'You'll Always Find Your Way Back Home' for the Hannah Montana movie and made a cameo performing 'Crazier' in a barn-party scene. Cyrus praised the soundtrack for 'standing the test of time' and quipped, 'Get the tea kettle,' in a light-hearted reference to Swift's involvement.
Connecting Through Shared Beginnings
Explaining how Swift ended up in the film, Cyrus noted that producers were seeking someone who could authentically perform in a barn setting, which aligned with both their early careers. 'We both performed in the barn,' she said, referencing her own performance of 'Hoedown Throwdown.' This shared history underscores their longstanding connection in the entertainment industry.
Throughout the evening, other notable interactions included Swift being seen arm-in-arm with Travis Kelce and Sombr, as well as mingling with Alysa Liu, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson. While the absence of a joint pose between Swift and Cyrus fueled speculation, their supportive moment and shared past suggest a complex, enduring relationship that continues to intrigue fans and media alike.
