Miley Cyrus - Live From Whisky A Go Go - Zombie #sosfest • Ad-Free

Miley Cyrus ’s live rendition of "Zombie" at the 2020 is widely regarded as a career-defining moment that cemented her transition from pop star to rock icon. Performing at the legendary Whisky a Go Go , she delivered a gritty, high-octane cover that drew immense praise for its raw emotional intensity and vocal power . Critical & Peer Reception

Reviewers from Rolling Stone described it as a "powerful cover" that highlighted her range and stage presence. NME characterized the rendition as "raucous" and a highlight of the fundraising event. Miley Cyrus - Live from Whisky a Go Go - Zombie #SOSFEST

The performance received rare, high-level validation from the source itself: Miley Cyrus ’s live rendition of "Zombie" at

She successfully navigated the contrast between restrained verses and the explosive, belting chorus, capturing the anger and pain of the original protest anthem. NME characterized the rendition as "raucous" and a

Rather than a polished pop cover, Cyrus utilized "controlled damage"—leaning into grit, distortion, and cracks in her voice to mirror the song’s volatility.

The band publicly lauded the cover, calling it "one of the finest covers of the song that we’ve heard" and stating they believed late frontwoman Dolores O’Riordan would have been "very impressed".

The performance was seen as proof that rock "runs deep in her veins," moving her away from her previous "Disney persona" and into the territory of legendary vocalists.