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A Longstanding Friendship
AJ Michalka and Miley Cyrus share a long history that dates back to their early Disney Channel days. Most recently, AJ, who is one-half of the music duo Aly & AJ, looked back at their friendship after covering Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” (that appeared on The Masked Singer). AJ, who appeared in season 12 as Strawberry Shortcake on the successful reality series, recounted some of her best moments with the Grammy-winning star through the years. At the end of the competition AJ, a three-time finalist, spoke about some of the fun things they did in the early days. Not only did the performance of “Wrecking Ball” take her back to the days of old but she herself could also vividly remember the numerous wonderful moments they had in those years of Disney Channel.
AJ emphasized how their careers being interconnected occurred in 2006 when Miley Cyrus’ Hannah Montana and her Disney Channel Original Movie Cow Belles both premiered on the same night. The stirring of this particular incident served as a bounder between these teenagers that were creatively experiencing the eruption of world fame. “Me, Aly, and Miley had this whole moment on set where we were able to interview each other and talk about these new premieres,” AJ recalled. “We were all giddy and young and excited. That’s a core memory with her that’s just really adorable.”
The shared enthusiasm for their new projects created an unforgettable bond between the young stars. This era, marked by youthful energy and anticipation, remains a treasured time for AJ as she looks back at those early career milestones.
Touring Together: Best of Both Worlds
Their connection didn’t end with their Disney Channel premieres. Aly & AJ were also part of Miley Cyrus’ Best of Both Worlds Tour in the year ‘2006. The tour, which skyrocketed Cyrus’ Hannah Montana persona to global fame, gave the sister duo an opportunity to share the stage with her. AJ looks back on the experience as another highlight of their friendship, as they performed for thousands of fans alongside Cyrus during her rise to stardom. This period solidified their professional camaraderie and strengthened their personal connection as young entertainers finding their way in the entertainment industry.
They were best friends not only on the film sets or stages but also in their personal lives. AJ quipped that once, on Halloween, Miley had their family visit her house along with Aly. “I remember Halloween, she came to us and carved pumpkins and we had a pumpkin carving competition with a lot of friends.” The ideal norm of the three and how they fit together is their total enjoyment of the most innocent and basic of activities like carving pumpkins. That is the beauty of their friendship which existed outside the public eye. As for AJ, it makes perfect sense that several such moments—of friendship, laughter, and children’s playfulness—are considered significant just like the time they have spent together on screen or on stage.
A Nostalgic Tribute
It is clear how AJ Michalka’s performance of Miley Cyrus’ ‘Wrecking Ball’ on The Masked Singer stands as a full circle moment as it has a clear connection with them due to their longstanding togetherness. Taking on such a challenging and legendary song she is well known for singing due to being friends with the artist was a way of honoring their friendship and also showing appreciation for what AJ feels of Cyrus as an artist. The same spirit with which Michalka performed the song and the strong feelings that the ballad symbolizes in the career of the singer, was equally exhibited. It was a touching tribute to A.J.’s long time friend from their early day years of Disney.
“I was a show horse and now I am a strolled horse,” AJ and Lily can pathetically be described by this personal favorite saying. Though embarrassing, the latter has re-enforced her standing in the music industry. Miley, AJ, and Michalka are many names but together formed a legacy as they grew up in the Disney Channel. It reminds them of how life works in a strange particular way.
AJ Michalka, speaking about her friendship with Miley Cyrus highlighted the fact that people share experiences, and their friendship is a testament to the things that were endured. Whether it is because of Disney Channel or spending time together outside work, their friendship has certainly weathered the challenges of the times. And as AJ is marking the many milestones of her career such as the recent win in The Masked Singer, she takes along those fond moments. Everything from their difficult times to the current achievements that the duo has amassed.
Touring Together: A Special Bond
According to AJ Michalka, Miley Cyrus is an exact representation of what her character is, and she admires Miley precisely for it. “She’s a very down-to-earth, cool person through and through,” AJ shared about the “Flowers” singer. “Exactly what you think you’re going to get — that’s what I love about her. It’s what you’re going to get, which is what I love about her.” A particular aspect that stands out about Miley, according to AJ, is her unstated nature complimented by a bold attitude as an artist.
Through the moments that AJ had with Miley on and off the stage, AJ was able to understand her character much better. So, whether she was the foremost subject or not, Cyrus remained the same energetic and positive which greatly influenced AJ. Sharing the stage with Miley Cyrus during the Best of Both Worlds Tour is something that AJ Michalka cherishes a lot. Even the audience might have seen her sister Aly as a part of the tour lineup and AJ cherishes such times. “We had a great run with each other,” she reflected. “I mean, we could have toured for months together. We really gelled on and off stage.”
Their connection went beyond the music. AJ shared how both their moms became friends during the tour, further strengthening the bond between the two families. “Our senses of humor were very similar,” she added, emphasizing how natural their friendship felt throughout the experience. One of the highlights of their time on tour was their nightly performance of the iconic Kiss anthem, “Rock and Roll All Nite,” alongside Cyrus. “And we got to sing a Kiss song with her every night,” AJ said with excitement. The collaboration gave fans a unique moment to witness the incredible energy and chemistry between the young artists.
A Special Tribute to Miley’s Hit
Although AJ and Miley haven’t connected in recent years, AJ’s admiration for her friend remains strong. Performing Miley’s emotional hit “Wrecking Ball” on The Masked Singer was AJ’s way of paying tribute to their shared history. The powerful ballad gave her an opportunity to showcase her vocal range while honoring a song that holds significance in Cyrus’ career.
However, AJ suggested she nearly contacted Miley but decided not to. “I was going to reach out to Miley the night of the airing, and I didn’t, which is silly, but I haven’t seen her in so long,” AJ admitted. Still, the ambition to reach out and show her performance is there within AJ to Miley. “But I want to just reach out and be like, ‘I had so much fun singing that song, it’s so good,’” Every moment spent during the song certainly made her want that. For AJ, performing ‘Wrecking Ball’ was more than just a performance while she was competing on The Masked Singer. It was a tribute to the time she spent with Miley and a celebration of the great music that Cyrus has given us throughout the years.
With A.J.’s presence in The Masked Singer, she came out into the limelight again although she and her sister Aly have been working on their next musical project. Recently the sister duo announced that their upcoming album was titled, Silver Deliverer, which has fans giddy with excitement on what’s next. AJ & Aly’s music has grown throughout the years and what keeps their fanbase excited is their ability to be inspired from their roots while moving in new directions. As they plan to unveil Silver Deliverer this time the buzz surrounding the sister duo is only going to be fueled by A.J.’s recent success on the show The Masked Singer.
Celebrating Friendship and Music
AJ Michalka’s memories of Miley Cyrus are the joys that both of them continue to cherish owing to the friendship that was formed out of their times spent together on the Disney Channel as well as Annie’s tours. From singing classic Kiss songs together on the stage to carving pumpkins for Halloween, there are so many unforgettable things that, AJ and Miley have accomplished together as friends. Although they have not been in touch in the last few years, A.J. Michalka’s satisfaction and appreciation tribute to “Wrecking Ball” made it clear that there has been no falling out. Be it through laughter or through music, A.J. believes that people’s experience in the entertainment world is bound to leave a mark on them, and this mark oftentimes takes the form of entitled friendships.
While AJ is eager to reconnect with Miley and celebrate her own career accomplishments, it is apparent that the moments they shared will forever remain dear to her. With her touching performance during Masked Singer and the forthcoming release of the album by Aly & AJ, AJ Michalka is approaching the next stage in her life with tremendous rigor and commitment which is the emblem of her career.