Miley Cyrus Is 'Disappointed' To Cancel Bushfire Relief Concert

Miley Cyrus has frequently discussed her love of Australia, which is part of the reason she is so “disappointed” to have to cancel her relief concert in Melbourne.

The 27-year-old singer had planned to hold a benefit concert on Friday, March 13, proceeds of which would go to the bushfire relief, but because of the coronavirus and “the recommendations of local, state, federal and international government authorities,” she was forced to cancel.

In a Twitter thread Monday, Cyrus explained that experts advised her it was best to cancel to “reduce potential health risks” considering the outbreaks happening worldwide, and the Center for Disease Control declaring COVID-19 a “public health emergency” in the U.S.

“I am so disappointed to not be there, but I have to do what is right to protect the health and safety of my band and crew,” she wrote. “I will still be making a donation to help the victims of the Australian bush fire. I’m sorry to miss everyone in Australia, but I will be back soon.”

On March 2, Cyrus appeared on the Australian radio show Smallzy’s Surgery and explained why she feels indebted to the country. Not only is her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth Australian-born, but she also credits Australia with helping to kick-start her music career outside of “Hannah Montana.”

“I had a record when I had just started going by my own name and making my own music and I remember that Australia kind of led for me — there was a song called, “See You Again” that I really wanted to have my own single and no one really wanted to push it here in the states, and I wrote the song and Australia started playing it on the radio,” she said. “So I’ve just always had a love and felt indebted to Australian radio.”

But not all of Cyrus’s Australian fans are as pleased with the recent cancellations. Many replied to her Twitter announcement expressing feelings of resentment toward the artist for what they believe is a “poor excuse.”

The benefit concert on March 13 was set to feature Lil Nas X and former “Dance Moms” star Jojo Siwa in addition to Cyrus.