Miley Cyrus’s album Bass Persuades has suffered the biggest second-week fall from No. 1 by a female artist in Billboard chart history, plunging to No. 157 after topping the Billboard 200 last week.
The dramatic reversal follows a debut that exceeded early expectations, with the album narrowly securing the top spot over country singer Ella Langley’s Dandelion by roughly 70 units.
Bass Persuades was initially expected to debut outside the top five. Atlantic Records, Cyrus’s new label after her departure from Columbia Records earlier this year, used a range of sales promotions to boost its opening figures.
The album’s digital price was reduced and it was issued in 16 vinyl variants, nine CD versions, six download variants and a cassette edition.
The previous record for the biggest fall from No. 1 by a female artist belonged to Madonna’s Madame X, which dropped to No. 77 in its second week in 2019. Celine Dion’s Courage then fell from the top spot to No. 111 a few months later.
Cyrus and Atlantic Records celebrated the album’s narrow victory last month, with the label sending a floral wreath shaped like a number one to the singer’s home.
“Bass Persuades being #1 transcends a win,” Cyrus wrote on Instagram at the time. “This process has been some of the best times for me. Everyone involved made it possible and more importantly fun and memorable.”
She added: “Thank you Atlantic, my team, and everyone who walks beside me with conviction. I love you.
“To the fans you make my world go round. Making music for you brings immeasurable joy to my life. Forever.”
The latest Billboard 200 chart is led by Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl, which returned to No. 1 after the release of its deluxe “Encore” edition. Olivia Rodrigo’s You Seem Pretty Sad For a Girl So In Love is at No. 2, while Langley’s Dandelion has fallen one place to No. 3.
Cyrus’s previous album, Something Beautiful, also failed to become a commercial success. In recent years, her strongest chart performance has been driven by the 2023 single Flowers, which became the biggest hit of her career and won Record of the Year at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
The former Hannah Montana star has not toured since the 2014 Bangerz world tour, although she has discussed the possibility of a future residency.
She is due to perform two sold-out shows at the Hollywood Bowl this month. The concerts attracted 1.5 million people seeking tickets for the 18,000-capacity venue.
Speaking to Zane Lowe about the performances, Cyrus said she had chosen the Hollywood Bowl because it would allow her to return home quickly after the show.
“I chose to do the show at the Bowl because I knew that my bed was only going to be like a 10-minute drive home by 11,” she said.
She added: “I’ve learned now through the queue that my calculations are correct, and people will come to me. I don’t need to drive to you. Proven. That was a test. I win.”
