The American Family Insurance Amphitheater buzzed with anticipation long before Miley Cyrus stepped on stage. Fans of all ages had gathered, from die-hard Cyrus followers sporting vintage “Bangerz” tees to younger festival-goers discovering her eclectic catalog through streaming playlists. The stage was prepped with an array of dynamic screens and vibrant lights, hinting at the theatrical show to come. The opening act, a pop-leaning singer-songwriter, warmed up the crowd with high-energy tracks, but the air was thick with expectation for Miley herself. As the lights dimmed and the opening beats of her first song echoed, the amphitheater erupted in cheers, signaling the start of a night full of hits, surprises, and unforgettable moments.
Full Setlist
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We Can’t Stop
(with elements of “Where Is My Mind?” by the Pixies) -
WTF Do I Know
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Plastic Hearts
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Heart of Glass (Blondie cover)
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SMS (Bangerz)
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Dooo It! (shortened)
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Love Money Party
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23 (Mike WiLL Made‐It cover with Wiz Khalifa)
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Malibu (Lost Frequencies remix)
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Nothing Breaks Like a Heart (Mark Ronson cover)
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Maybe (The Chantels cover)
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7 Things
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Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) (Cher cover)
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See You Again
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Midnight Sky
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The Climb
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Can’t Be Tamed
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Wrecking Ball
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Party in the U.S.A.
The Energy
From the opening chords of “We Can’t Stop”, Miley immediately had the amphitheater in her grip. She merged her party anthem with Pixies elements, giving the song an unexpected edge that the crowd instantly embraced. Fans sang along passionately, waving hands and phones in unison, and Miley’s stage presence amplified every beat. She commanded the space with effortless charisma, moving across the stage and interacting with every corner of the audience.
High-energy tracks like “SMS (Bangerz)” and “Love Money Party” kept the momentum soaring, while tracks such as “Malibu” and “Maybe” offered brief, melodic respites, giving the audience a chance to catch their breath without losing the electric vibe. The energy wasn’t just in Miley’s performance—it radiated from the crowd, feeding back into the show like a live feedback loop of pure excitement.
Highlights & Crowd Moments
Several moments stood out as pure magic. “23” with elements of the Mike WiLL Made-It cover, featuring Wiz Khalifa’s prerecorded vocals, had the crowd bouncing and waving, with the catchy chorus proving irresistible. The playful nods to her collaborators, along with Miley’s cheeky interactions, made the performance feel intimate despite the large festival setting.
Her cover of “Heart of Glass” by Blondie was a high point, blending nostalgia and modern energy seamlessly. Fans erupted when familiar riffs hit, and Miley’s confident delivery reminded everyone why she’s equally at home in the pop and rock worlds. Similarly, “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” and “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” highlighted her ability to reinvent classics with her signature style, bringing both emotional depth and flair.
The singalong during “Party in the U.S.A.” was a highlight for longtime fans. By the final chorus, the amphitheater became one massive collective voice, uniting fans across generations. Miley paused to let the audience take over parts of the lyrics, creating a moment of shared euphoria.
The Vibe
The vibe of the show balanced festival excitement with personal intimacy. Miley alternated between upbeat anthems, reflective ballads, and playful covers, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The stage production complemented this perfectly, with lights, video screens, and choreography enhancing each song without overwhelming the music.
From the dance-ready grooves of “WTF Do I Know” to the emotional resonance of “The Climb”, Miley showcased her versatility as a performer. Fans were fully invested, reacting to every change in tone and tempo. There was an undeniable sense of communal celebration—the kind of energy that reminds you why live music is such a powerful experience.
Tiny Quibbles
If there were minor quibbles, they mostly came from pacing. Some transitions between high-energy tracks and slower moments felt slightly abrupt. For instance, going from “Love Money Party” to “Malibu” required a quick tonal shift that, while executed well, briefly disrupted the flow for some audience members.
Additionally, some of the covers, while brilliant, were unfamiliar to casual fans, which meant those moments occasionally saw a quieter audience reaction. These are minor issues, however, and in no way diminished the overall impact of the show.
Final Thoughts
By the time Miley closed the night with “Party in the U.S.A.”, the crowd was left exhilarated and fully engaged. The performance demonstrated Miley’s ability to balance spectacle with intimate audience connection. She moved seamlessly across pop, rock, and ballad styles, keeping every fan invested and energized.
Summerfest 2021 in Milwaukee was more than a festival appearance—it was a full display of Miley Cyrus’s evolution as an artist. She delivered hits, deep cuts, and covers with equal skill, charisma, and passion. Fans left singing, cheering, and discussing their favorite moments long after the lights went down. This show was a reminder that Miley Cyrus, decades into her career, remains a live performer capable of thrilling audiences of all ages.