by When Chris Hemsworth took the stage at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards to perform Miley Cyrus’ hit song “Wrecking Ball,” it was a shock to fans who were used to seeing him portray the hammer-wielding superhero Thor. But Hemsworth’s passionate performance that night was no act – it truly was a life-changing experience for him.
In a recent interview, Hemsworth raved about the performance, calling it “one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.” He said that performing live on stage had always been a dream of his, and the opportunity to live out that dream with Cyrus was unbelievable.
“I’ve been a fan of Miley since her Hannah Montana days,” Hemsworth said. “She’s always been such a great performer and entertainer. So when she asked me to perform with her at the VMAs, I literally jumped at the chance.”
Hemsworth admitted he was incredibly nervous leading up to the big night. “I mean, I’m used to being in front of cameras as an actor, but live performing was a whole new ball game,” he said.
In preparation, Hemsworth worked extensively with Cyrus’ team to rehearse the performance and nail down the choreography. “I wanted to make sure I could really own the stage and do Miley’s song justice,” he said.
The rehearsals paid off – Hemsworth’s rendition of “Wrecking Ball” brought down the house at the VMAs. Dressed in leather pants and a cut-off shirt, he swung on the same wrecking ball prop that Cyrus used in her music video and belted out the lyrics with gusto.
“As soon as I stepped on that stage and felt the energy of the crowd, all my nerves vanished,” Hemsworth said. “It was such a rush to look out and see all those faces singing along. I felt like a proper rock star up there!”
Hemsworth said connecting with the audience and feeding off their energy was an incredible feeling. “When you see the crowd responding to your performance and singing the words back to you, it’s so empowering,” he shared. “There’s no greater feeling than getting that kind of feedback in real time.”
Connecting with Cyrus as a duet partner also made the experience even more special for Hemsworth. “We always had such a laugh together on set when we worked on The Last Song,” Hemsworth recalled. “It was great to share the stage and make music together again.”
The performance was a hit, generating buzz across entertainment media and all over social media. Hemsworth was thrilled with the positive reaction.
“Everyone was so supportive and enthusiastic about it,” he said. “It blew me away how many people reached out saying they loved seeing me up there rocking out. It meant the world to me.”
Indeed, the performance was a launching point for Hemsworth’s music career. He has since played several live concerts and even released a few singles. But he says nothing will ever top the magic of that first live performance.
“It was one of those pivotal moments in life where everything changes,” Hemsworth shared. “My outlook on what’s possible for me as a performer completely shifted after that night.”
While Hemsworth said the experience was incredible, it didn’t come without its challenges. The physical rigor of the live show took its toll.
“I was definitely sore for quite a while after,” Hemsworth joked. “All that swinging around and gyrating on stage works muscles you didn’t even know you had!”
He also found the vulnerability that comes with live performance daunting at first. “Baring your soul up there is intimidating,” he admitted. “But at the same time, it’s so rewarding when you connect with people on that deeper level.”
Overall, Hemsworth is grateful for the opportunity and now looks back on it as a treasured memory. “It was one of the most fun, exhilarating experiences of my life,” he said. “It was a dream come true, and I’ll never forget that feeling of stepping off stage knowing I had just done something really special.”
The performance clearly made an impact – since then, Hemsworth has starred in a film focused on music, 2015’s Blackhat. He said that experience made him appreciate musical performers even more.
“You gain a whole new respect for what artists go through when you attempt to walk in their shoes, even briefly,” Hemsworth shared. “I have so much admiration for musicians now.”
While Hemsworth is currently focusing full-time on his acting career again, he said music will always be a passion.
“I’d love to do more live performances in the future,” Hemsworth said. He also revealed he’s open to more recorded music as well.
“I’ve kicked around the idea of maybe doing an album at some point,” he shared. “Obviously I don’t see myself becoming a full-time rock star. Acting will always be my priority. But I’m open to musical projects that excite me.”
For now, Hemsworth is happy to have the amazing memory of his 2013 VMA performance with Cyrus. It’s an experience he will undoubtedly continue to rave about as a life-changing moment for years to come.
“It was a dream come true, pure magic,” Hemsworth summarized. “It’s something I’ll remember forever.”
Based on Hemsworth’s effusive comments, it’s clear that the electrifying performance made a lasting impact. We can’t wait to see what other musical surprises Hemsworth has up his sleeve in the future!
