When comparing two pop culture giants like Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus, the question of who was bigger in their prime becomes intriguing. Both have had remarkable careers, transcending music, acting, and influencing global pop culture. Let’s break down their careers to understand who shined the brightest at their peak.
Miley Cyrus rose to fame with Disney Channel’s hit series Hannah Montana (2006-2011), where she played a teenager living a double life as a pop star. The show was a cultural phenomenon, launching her into global superstardom. As both the lead actress and singer on the show, Miley quickly became one of the most famous teenagers on the planet. Her Hannah Montana albums dominated the charts, and by her mid-teens, Miley had already embarked on sold-out world tours, cementing her place in pop culture.
Key Stats from Miley’s Prime:Hannah Montana album went multi-platinum.
Sold-out tours, including Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert in 2007-2008.
First studio album Breakout debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 2008.
Selena Gomez’s early fame came through Wizards of Waverly Place (2007-2012), another wildly popular Disney Channel series. While Selena didn’t achieve the same immediate crossover success in music as Miley did with Hannah Montana, she eventually found her footing with the band Selena Gomez & the Scene. They released hits like “Naturally” and “Who Says,” but it wasn’t until her solo career took off that Selena truly became a global pop icon.
Key Stats from Selena’s Prime:Won an Emmy Award for Wizards of Waverly Place.
Multiple Top 10 singles with her band Selena Gomez & the Scene.
First solo album Stars Dance debuted at #1 in 2013.
Miley’s transition into a more mature sound came with her 2013 album Bangerz. Her lead single “Wrecking Ball” and its controversial music video made headlines worldwide. Miley embraced an edgier, boundary-pushing image, distancing herself from her Disney roots. This era made her a talking point in both music and pop culture.
Notable Achievements During This Era:Bangerz debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200.
“Wrecking Ball” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a viral sensation.
Multiple Grammy nominations for Bangerz.
Selena’s music career truly soared in the mid-2010s with albums like Revival (2015) and Rare (2020), which included hits like “Hands to Myself,” “Same Old Love,” and “Lose You to Love Me.” The latter marked Selena’s first Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit. Although Selena may not have been as controversial as Miley, her consistency in releasing chart-topping hits and her relatable image garnered her an immense global fanbase.
Notable Achievements During This Era:Revival went platinum, and “Good for You” became a Top 5 hit.
Rare debuted at #1, and “Lose You to Love Me” topped the charts.
Became one of the most-followed celebrities on Instagram, influencing millions with her presence.
Miley’s Bangerz era not only transformed her music career but also her image. Her controversial performances, like her 2013 MTV VMAs twerking incident, sparked conversations about female empowerment, artistic expression, and identity. She pushed boundaries, embraced boldness, and consistently made headlines for her fearless attitude.
Her ability to reinvent herself continued in her later work, from the rock-influenced Plastic Hearts to her vocal stance on social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and activism for homelessness.
Selena’s prime has been defined by her relatability and mental health advocacy. Unlike Miley, who made waves with shock value, Selena built her reputation on her vulnerability. She has been candid about her struggles with lupus, mental health, and body image. Through her music, documentaries, and interviews, Selena has remained a figure of grace and authenticity, especially with Gen Z.
Her influence on social media is undeniable. At one point, Selena was the most-followed person on Instagram, and her posts regularly garnered millions of likes. Her relatability and openness endeared her to fans worldwide.
Miley has had several Grammy nominations, MTV Video Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards wins, while Selena has earned numerous accolades, including American Music Awards and Billboard Women in Music awards. Both have been lauded for their music, but their influence extends beyond awards, touching on fashion, social justice, and mental health awareness.
In their primes, both Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez were cultural powerhouses, but their impact was different. Miley’s peak, particularly during the Hannah Montana and Bangerz eras, was more explosive and boundary-pushing, dominating headlines with her rebellious persona. On the other hand, Selena’s influence was more subtle but incredibly powerful, particularly through her relatable persona, global fanbase, and consistent success in music and acting.
Ultimately, the answer may depend on what aspect of their careers you value more: Miley’s cultural provocations or Selena’s emotional connection with fans. Both women have left indelible marks on pop culture, making them icons in their own right.
