Is Miley Cyrus VMAs Song "Slide Away" About Liam Hemsworth?
The lyrics seem a bit...personal.

Earlier this month, Hollywood hot couple Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth announced that they were dissolving their marriage just a few months shy of their one-year anniversary; the duo, who have been on-again, off-again since first meeting, got married in late December 2018. Just days after the news broke, Miley found herself the subjects of tabloids everywhere when she was spotted getting cozy with newly-single Kaitlynn Carter (ex-wife of The Hills' Brody Jenner) during a private girls' trip in Italy.
As if we didn't already have enough questions about what led to Miley and Liam calling it quits after being together for almost a decade, the singer-songwriter dropped a timely single that piqued our curiosity even further. In the song, titled "Slide Away," Miley describes a loving relationship coming to an end.
Though she doesn't exactly go into specifics, the lyrics of the song do seem to underscore some of the rumors surrounding her relationship with Liam. "Move on, we're not seventeen/I'm not who I used to be" Miley sings in her signature rasp, a hint that the couple, who met when they were just teenagers on the set of The Last Song, likely grew apart over the years.
"Slide Away" also pretty much confirms the whispers that Miley and Liam's relationship wasn't the picture-perfect image that it appeared to be—a source close to the couple told People that Liam struggled with hardcore partying, which created serious conflict in his relationship ("I want my house in the hills/Don't want the whiskey and pills").
A post shared by Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus)
A photo posted by on
In a candid Instagram post, Miley finally broke her silence. "I love Liam and always will. But at this point, I had to make a healthy decision for myself to leave a previous decision behind," the singer shared days ago. "I am the healthiest and happiest I have been in a long time."
Miley is scheduled to perform "Slide Away" onstage at MTV's 2019 Video Music Awards tonight. It's Miley's first public appearance since announcing her divorce weeks ago, but from the looks of it, she's going to be just fine. Love and light, Miley. Love and light.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
RELATED STORIES
Lagos-born and Houston-raised, Ineye Komonibo is a writer and editor with a love for all things culture. With an academic background in public relations and media theory, Ineye’s focus has always been on using her writing ability to foster discourse about the deep cyclical relationship between society and the media we engage with, ever-curious about who we are and what we do because of what we consume. Most recently, she put her cultural savvy to work as a culture critic for R29 Unbothered, covering everything from politics to social media thirst to the reverberations of colorism across the African diaspora.
-
Why One Former Queen Was Held "Prisoner" at Kensington Palace
She was forbidden "from reading popular books" or walking "downstairs without holding someone's hand."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Dua Lipa Pairs Her Snakeskin Trench With a Chanel Bag
The pop star's new rules scream loud luxury.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Refused to Abide by a 350-Year-Old Royal Tradition
She insisted on doing this one very important thing her way, according to a royal expert.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The Melancholic Sound of Success
The artist known as Japanese Breakfast opens up about finding her sound on a new album after experiencing whirlwind success.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
LISA, Doja Cat, and Raye Perform a Glamorous 'James Bond' Tribute at the 2025 Oscars
The Academy Awards are for the pop girls, actually.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Aly & AJ Share What Music Shaped Them—And What's on Their Playlist Now
With their new album 'Silver Deliverer' coming soon, the sister act opens up about their musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Beyoncé Wins Album of the Year for the First Time Ever at the 2025 Grammys
The superstar—who has the most wins in the award show's history—took home the biggest prize of the night for 'Cowboy Carter.'
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Chappell Roan Wins Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys—And Called Upon Record Labels to Enact Artist Healthcare Reform
The Midwest Princess made a powerful speech while accepting the award for Best New Artist.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Doechii Wins Best Rap Album at the Grammys and Dedicates the Award to Black Women: "You're Exactly Who You Need to Be"
"The Swamp Princess" is the third female rapper to take home the gramophone.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Beyoncé Makes History As the First Black Woman to Win a Grammy in the Country Category in 50 Years
All hail Queen Bey!
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
RAYE Shares What Music Shaped Her—And What's on Her Playlist Now
The Best New Artist-nominated singer discusses Britney Spears, Charli xcx, and Nina Simone.
By Quinci LeGardye Published