Country star Keith Urban recently described Miley Cyrus’ voice in a way that raised some eyebrows but was ultimately intended as a sincere compliment. During an appearance on the Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie podcast on September 4, Urban, 56, offered high praise for Cyrus’ distinctive, raspy voice after covering her hit song “Flowers.”
“I love that voice, man,” Urban said, explaining his admiration for her vocal style. “She sounds like an ashtray. And I mean that as a compliment.” He elaborated by comparing it to the carpet at the RSL (Returned and Services League), a reference to veteran clubs in Australia known for their gritty atmosphere. While the comparison seemed strange, Urban emphasized that he’s long been a fan of the Grammy-winning artist, saying, “I’ve always loved Miley.”
Urban’s admiration comes at a time when Cyrus has been receiving recognition for both her musical achievements and broader influence. Last month, she became the youngest person to receive the prestigious Disney Legend Award at D23, where she acknowledged the impact her Hannah Montana character had on her life and career. During her emotional acceptance speech, Cyrus dedicated the award to the fans who made her dream possible, proudly declaring, “This is the life.”
In addition to Cyrus’ Disney honor, her career milestones include earning her first Grammy Award in February, followed by a second win soon after. However, Cyrus has remained humble, saying the accolades are great but won’t change the beauty of her life before receiving them.
Urban’s podcast appearance wasn’t all about praise, though. The country singer took the opportunity to criticize some pop stars crossing into the Nashville scene, calling out their lack of authenticity. He cited artists like Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson as examples of “legit” performers who stay true to their roots, contrasting them with what he sees as an influx of non-country acts seeking collaborations in the genre.
Despite the unusual compliment, Urban’s genuine appreciation for Miley Cyrus and her unique voice is clear, as is his respect for authenticity in music.
Image Credit: FilmMagic
