Love in the Spotlight (Again)

On December 2, 2025, Page Six exclusively broke the news that sent Miley Cyrus fans into a frenzy: The pop star is engaged to her boyfriend of four years, drummer Maxx Morando. For someone who's had very public relationships—and an equally public divorce—this quieter love story marks a significant shift in how Miley approaches romance.

And based on what she's shared since, it seems like she's found exactly what she was looking for.

Who Is Maxx Morando?

Before we dive into the engagement, let's talk about the man who captured Miley's heart. Maxx Morando is a 26-year-old drummer and producer, best known for his work with the band Liily. Unlike Miley's previous partners—think Liam Hemsworth, Cody Simpson, even her brief fling with Kaitlynn Carter—Maxx isn't an A-list celebrity.

He's a musician's musician: talented, respected in industry circles, but not interested in the celebrity spotlight that comes with dating one of the world's biggest pop stars. Friends describe him as grounded, artistic, and exactly what Miley needed after years of tumultuous, high-profile relationships.

How They Met: 2021

Miley and Maxx were first spotted together in late 2021, sparking immediate dating speculation. According to sources, they met through mutual friends in the LA music scene. Miley had recently wrapped her pandemic-era album "Plastic Hearts" and was exploring new sounds and collaborations.

Maxx's band Liily was gaining traction in underground rock circles—the perfect match for Miley's own rock-influenced evolution.

Their first public appearance together was at a Gucci fashion show in November 2021, though neither confirmed they were dating at the time. Miley, having learned from past relationship scrutiny, was determined to keep this one private—at least in the beginning.

2022: Keeping It Low-Key

Throughout 2022, Miley and Maxx were occasionally photographed together, but unlike her past relationships, there were no constant paparazzi shots, no social media declarations, no magazine interviews dissecting their connection.

Friends say this was intentional.

"After everything Miley went through with Liam—the breakup, the reconciliation, the divorce—she wanted something different," one source revealed. "With Maxx, she could just be herself without the relationship becoming a media circus."

Maxx fit into Miley's life seamlessly. He'd attend her events when necessary but wasn't seeking the spotlight. He contributed to her music in low-key ways, offering production input and creative collaboration without needing credit or recognition.

2023: Going Public (Sort Of)

By 2023, Miley and Maxx's relationship was an open secret in the industry, though neither had officially confirmed it. They attended the Grammys together in February 2023—Miley's first major awards show as a couple with Maxx—where she won her first Grammy for "Flowers."

That song, of course, was widely interpreted as being about her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth. The irony of winning a Grammy for a breakup song while sitting next to her new boyfriend wasn't lost on anyone.

"Flowers" became an anthem of self-love and independence, but those close to Miley say Maxx played a role in that healing process. He showed her what a healthy, supportive relationship could look like.

2024: Collaboration and Commitment

In 2024, Miley and Maxx took their relationship to the next level professionally. Maxx contributed to several tracks on Miley's latest album (details of which are still being kept under wraps), and they were spotted in studio sessions together multiple times.

"Working together brought them even closer," an insider shared. "They have this creative chemistry that's rare. Maxx challenges Miley musically, and she inspires him to take creative risks."

By mid-2024, Miley was more open about the relationship, mentioning Maxx in interviews (though still not by name, referring to him as "my partner") and posting occasional photos that included him in the background.

The relationship was clearly serious, but both were in no rush to make grand public declarations.

The Proposal: Fall 2025

According to Miley's recent revelations, Maxx proposed in the fall of 2025—months before the news broke publicly. In a Cosmopolitan interview published in December 2025, Miley shared details about the proposal that were both romantic and perfectly fitting for their relationship.

Maxx proposed during a private trip to Big Sur, California. No paparazzi, no social media announcements, just the two of them and the Pacific Ocean.

"He knows I'm not a traditional person," Miley told Cosmopolitan. "So he didn't do the whole restaurant with everyone watching thing. It was just us, sunset, and him telling me all the reasons he wants to spend his life with me. It was perfect."

The ring, which Miley has shown off in carefully curated photos, is unique—not a traditional diamond, but a custom design that reflects both of their aesthetics. Sources say Maxx designed it himself with input from a jeweler friend.

Why It Feels Different

For fans who've followed Miley's romantic journey—from her teenage relationship with Liam through their on-again-off-again engagement, their brief marriage, and her subsequent dating life—this engagement feels different.

There's a calmness to it. A maturity. Miley isn't screaming from the rooftops or making her relationship her entire personality. She's simply... happy.

"I've learned so much about what I need in a partner," Miley said in her Glamour interview. "I don't need someone who's going to match my level of fame or success. I need someone who understands me as a person, supports my art, and can handle the chaos that comes with my life without trying to control it or compete with it."

Maxx, by all accounts, is exactly that person.

The Wedding Plans (Or Lack Thereof)

True to form, Miley has been vague about wedding plans. In interviews, she's made it clear she's in no rush.

"We're engaged because we want to commit to building a life together," she explained. "But the wedding? That's just a party. We'll do it when it feels right, not because society says we should."

Sources close to the couple say they're considering a small, intimate ceremony with just family and close friends—a far cry from Miley's previous wedding to Liam, which despite being private, was still a significant production.

Learning From the Past

Miley has been refreshingly honest about how her past experiences have shaped this relationship. She's talked about the importance of therapy, self-work, and understanding your own patterns before bringing someone else into your life.

"I had to become the person I needed to be to attract the right partner," she said. "You can't expect someone to complete you or fix you. Maxx didn't save me—I saved myself. But he's been an incredible partner in continuing that growth."

It's a mature perspective that shows how much Miley has evolved from the young woman who first fell in love with Liam Hemsworth on the set of "The Last Song" when she was just 17.

The Family Response

Miley's family, including her father Billy Ray Cyrus and mother Tish, have reportedly given their blessing. Friends say they're relieved to see Miley in a stable, healthy relationship after some rocky years.

Maxx has apparently impressed the Cyrus clan with his genuine nature and lack of interest in leveraging his relationship with Miley for personal gain.

"He's not trying to be famous," one family friend revealed. "He's with Miley because he loves her, not because of who she is publicly. That's rare in Hollywood, and her family recognizes that."

What's Next?

As 2026 begins, Miley and Maxx are focused on their respective careers and enjoying their engagement without pressure. Miley has new music coming, and Maxx is working on projects with his band and producing for other artists.

They split their time between LA and a private property outside the city, creating space for both the chaos of celebrity life and the quiet moments that sustain their connection.

The Bottom Line

Miley Cyrus has always been someone who lives authentically, for better or worse. Her engagement to Maxx Morando represents a new chapter—one where she's choosing privacy over publicity, substance over spectacle, and long-term compatibility over passionate intensity.

She's been through the fairy tale romance that ended in heartbreak. Now, she's choosing the steady, supportive partnership that prioritizes mutual growth.

"I'm not the same person I was at 17, or 22, or even 27," Miley reflected. "I've grown up, I've healed, and I've learned what actually matters in a relationship. Maxx gets that. He meets me where I am."

For someone who's spent most of her life in the spotlight, often with her personal life dissected by the world, Miley's current happiness feels earned. She's done the work, faced her demons, and come out the other side stronger.

And now, she's found someone who wants to build a future with that version of her—not the Disney star, not the tabloid fixture, but the real Miley Cyrus.

If that's not worth celebrating, what is?