Miley Cyrus has made a significant career move by re-signing with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) after a four-year stint with William Morris Endeavor (WME). This marks a notable shift in her professional representation, as she returns to CAA, which had previously managed her music career for many years.
Cyrus initially transitioned her TV and movie career from United Talent Agency (UTA) to CAA 15 years ago. However, in February 2020, she decided to part ways with CAA and joined WME. This change was part of a series of business decisions that included signing with Columbia Records and joining Crush Management in 2021. Despite her return to CAA, she continues to be represented by Crush Management and her attorney Bill Sobel at Laird and Sobel.
The timing of Cyrus’s return to CAA coincides with the release of her eighth studio album, “Endless Summer Vacation,” which dropped in March 2023. The album has been a commercial success, largely driven by the hit single “Flowers.” The song not only topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks but also set a new Spotify record for the most streams in a single week, amassing 100 million listens. In February, “Flowers” earned Cyrus her first Grammy awards, winning both Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.
Cyrus has expressed her feelings about finally being recognized by the Grammys. In an interview with W magazine, she shared her frustration about not being taken seriously in the past. “No shade, but I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and this is my first time actually being taken seriously at the Grammys?” she said. “I’ve had a hard time figuring out what the measurement is there, because if we want to talk stats and numbers, then where the fuck was I? And if you want to talk, like, impact on culture, then where the fuck was I? This is not about arrogance. I am proud of myself.”
Recently, Cyrus made a cameo on Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” for the duet “II Most Wanted,” which is already generating Grammy buzz for the next year’s ceremony. Reflecting on the collaboration, Cyrus said, “I wrote that song, like, two and a half years ago. My mom would always go, ‘I love that song so much.’ So when Beyoncé reached out to me about music, I thought of it right away because it really encompasses our relationship. I told her, ‘We don’t have to get country; we are country. We’ve been country.’ I said, ‘You know, between you being from Texas and me being from Tennessee, so much of us is going to be in this song.’ Getting to write a song, not just sing, for Beyoncé was a dream come true.”
While Cyrus’s move back to CAA is a significant development, WME has also been making strategic hires to bolster its brand partnerships division. Adam Bulleid, Carolyn Massey, and Bernard Tyler have joined WME as agents. Bulleid, who previously worked with Universal Music UK, will be based in the UK and will work across WME’s music and talent roster. Massey, formerly with ICM Partners, and Tyler, a former CAA agent, will focus on WME’s growing hip-hop and R&B music roster.
Bulleid served as VP of business development for Globe, a division of Universal Music UK, and has extensive experience in brand partnerships, sync, and music integrations. Massey, during her tenure at ICM Partners, worked with high-profile clients such as Migos, Khalid, and J. Cole. Tyler, before joining WME, was involved in sports and entertainment partnerships at CAA Sports, working with brands like EA Sports and Adidas.
These hires are part of WME’s broader strategy to strengthen its brand partnerships team. The agency recently added Ikenna Ezeh and Andrés Paz Micheo, focusing on music, and Francesca Ballentyne in the UK for general talent brand partnerships. WME has successfully paired celebrities with major brands, including Tom Brady and Serena Williams with Subway, and Miley Cyrus with Gucci.
As Miley Cyrus embarks on this new chapter with CAA, her career continues to evolve, marked by significant achievements and strategic moves. Her return to CAA is a testament to her enduring influence and the dynamic nature of her professional journey.
