She Plays Music

How Miley Cyrus Can Make the Teen Transition Graciously

by Kimberlee Morrison on July 25th, 2008

The Vanity Fair photos were a disaster; not because anything was wrong with them, but because people were too busy being prudish to see what Miley Cyrus was trying to do.

For child stars, growing up is tricky business. According to NY Daily music critic Jim Farber, there are a few strategic moves that would help usher Miley Cyrus into a more mature image in the eyes of her public. Farber’s suggestions are very good, if Cyrus’ PR people are smart, they’ll try to utilize a couple of them.

Take a small part in a serious indie flick:

Lindsay tried to do this by both acting and singing in Robert Altman’s film version of “A Prairie Home Companion.” Landing the part even put her in savvy proximity to Ms. Respectability herself, Meryl Streep. The problem? The movie was a total turnoff to anyone under 40. What Miley needs is a part in an indie flick that also has youth appeal. Nothing too tawdry, mind you, but it should have some edge and/or quirks. Think: “Juno II.”

Record a duet with a respected country star:

Sure, she could go for an R&B act, but too many of them seem manufactured. Or she could try a rock band, but they can be too skeevy. Country stars, on the other hand, always have solid musical chops and clean images that aren’t too squeaky. Lately, both Jewel and Jessica Simpson have gone country to try to gussy up their images. An ideal hookup for Miley would be with the super-hot Nashville babe Carrie Underwood. Call her people - today.

Author a slim volume of poetry:

This isn’t as hard as it sounds. Jewel did it. And so did Suzanne Somers, and neither one of them is exactly Shakespeare. Better, the copy doesn’t even have to rhyme. It just has to be “sensitive.”

Align yourself with a high-profile - but not too depressing - charity:

Diseases can be such a downer, but aiding starving children, or rescuing animals, is always a smart bet. Here, a more recent Madonna example would be worth following. Of course, she’s got Malawi cornered, while Oprah has already laid claim to South Africa. My suggestion: Get out there and start helping either kids - or wildlife - in some other African nation before they’re all taken.

Date a famous young guy who’s already considered at least semiserious:

Be careful. He can’t be too old for you (meaning over 22). And he can’t be aligned with anybody already. The last thing you want to be known as is a home-wrecker. One ideal choice: a Jonas Brother. They’re already on your label. And they’re sort of respected - at least by the standards of teen pop. Also they’re Mormons. Which makes them both safe and serious. Best of all, since there are three of them, you’re sure to bag one. [source]

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