Pitting women against one another has become, unfortunately, an ingrained practice in society. This doesn’t just take a toll on their mental health, but it also draws attention away from their achievements, beliefs, and the things that truly matter to them. And, in the music industry in particular, many women have been dragged into so-called rivalries, despite the fact the tabloids have very little proof to back up their feud claims. 

Perhaps the biggest example of this is Nicki Minaj and Cardi B’s “dispute”, which made headlines during New York Fashion Week last September. According to reports at the time, Cardi allegedly threw a shoe at Minaj, and now Miley Cyrus stands accused of adding fuel to the fire.

Naturally, though, the Wrecking Ball singer isn’t having any of it.

Cyrus recently performed at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, where she debuted three songs from her upcoming EP ‘She is Coming’. It was her single ‘Cattitude’, however, that saw her dragged into Minaj and Cardi controversy on social media. 

Why? Well, in one of the verses, she raps: “I love you Nicki, but I listen to Cardi”. 

Naturally, the world latched onto this one line and accused Cyrus of “throwing shade” at Cardi B.

However, Cyrus has since sat down with Roman Kemp on his Capital Breakfast radio show and underlined the obvious truth: it was literally just a song.

“I don’t think there is beef anymore,” she said. (And there isn’t – they settled their conflict over social media last October.)

Instead, she explained the true meaning behind the lyrics, saying: “I think what they do is so different from each other. That’s why they both get a crown. They don’t have to share. They don’t have to break in half. There’s no reason to fight over it. They’re both queens. And anytime you want to feel powerful and strong, that’s my go-to, Cardi and Nicki.”

Cyrus went on to explain what it was like growing up in the spotlight alongside pop stars Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, and insisted that it never caused any sort of competition – and described Ariana Grande as one of her best friends despite comparisons in the past.

“One of my songs says ‘You want to know if we’re really beefin’?” she said. “‘There’s no beef. I’m a vegan.’ I think you’re allowed to enjoy two artists that fill a similar lane. I just always grew up collaborating with Selena and Demi, and there was never competition. That’s why Ariana is one of my best friends.”

Following her BBC Radio 1 performance, Cyrus poked fun at critics by posting a series of pictures on Instagram with captions which read, “I love you Selena but I listen to Demi”, “I love you me but I listen to Ari”, and even “I love you Miley but I listen to Hannah”.

Cyrus went on to give us a really important lesson on why we should champion and uplift women – instead of ruthlessly comparing them.

“When you’re authentically yourself, no one can be you. You’re never worried about someone stealing your place because it can’t be taken, you’re the only one,” she said firmly.

Hear hear. While the media loves to promote this narrative that women are more inclined to tear each other apart than men, the truth is far simpler – there is more than enough space for everyone. 

Image: Getty