This time, the rumor that Miley will be one of the Headliners is not just industry chatter; it’s fueled by a viral tease from the festival itself.
Miley Cyrus performs onstage during the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
The speculation began when the official Rock in Rio Instagram account (@rockinrio) replied directly to a fan comment asking about the pop icon’s presence. The festival’s cryptic and thrilling response: “2026 is the year to make dreams come true.” This non-denial has sent fan excitement into overdrive, suggesting that the three-time Grammy winner is indeed in advanced talks to perform on the main stage.
What It Means to Play Rock in Rio
Performing at Rock in Rio is one of the highest honors in the global music industry. Launched in 1985 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the festival is renowned for its immense scale, often spanning multiple weekends and demanding a performer with a universally recognized catalog—both qualities Cyrus possesses.
The festival takes place at the custom-built City of Rock (Cidade do Rock), which has capacity for approximately 100,000 to 120,000 attendees per day. Over the course of the multi-day event (typically held in September), Rock in Rio draws over 700,000 people, guaranteeing a massive live audience for its headliners.
General view taken as Brazilian singer Ivete Sangalo performs on the opening day of the Rock in Rio music festival on September 13, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Miley’s Place Among Legends and Women in Rock
A headline slot would place Miley Cyrus among the elite roster of artists who have commanded the Rock in Rio stage. Historically, the festival was dominated by male-led rock acts, but female artists have increasingly shattered these ceilings. Previous women who have held the prestigious headlining slot include global stars like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Katy Perry. Cyrus’s performance would celebrate her successful pivot into rock-infused pop and her powerful vocals, adding her name to a list of powerful women who have headlined the massive Brazilian festival.
Confirmed Headliners and the Global Stage
While Miley Cyrus remains heavily rumored, the festival has already announced several massive, diverse headliners for the Rio de Janeiro edition, which will take place over two weekends in September 2026.
The announced headliners include:
- Elton John: The music legend will perform on September 7th in what is confirmed as his only scheduled show in Brazil for 2026 following his retirement from touring in 2023.
Elton John speaks onstage during the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on November 03, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame )
- Stray Kids: The K-pop powerhouse will headline the September 11th show, making history as the first K-pop act ever to headline the massive festival.
Changbin, Lee Know, I.N, Hyunjin, Seungmin, Felix, Bang Chan and Han of Stray Kids attend The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
- Gilberto Gil: The Brazilian music icon and former Minister of Culture will share the stage with Elton John on September 7th, ensuring a powerful local presence.
Gilberto Gil performs during the 2025 Global Citizen Festival: Amazonia at Mangueirao stadium on November 01, 2025 in Belem, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images for Global Citizen)
