Why Wasn’t Miley Cyrus at the 2017 Teen Choice Awards?

The “Malibu” singer unexpectedly dropped out of the show hours before it started.

Miley Cyrus has been embracing her musical roots (and her teen fans!) more than ever lately, which is why we were so pumped to see her make a highly-anticipated appearance at the 2017 Teen Choice Awards last night, where she was set to pick up a big honor called the Ultimate Choice Award. But when last year’s TCAs host Victoria Justice hit the stage at this year’s event, she dropped the news that Miley couldn’t make the show… and introduced Jake Paul instead. This moment left us all wondering what was going on, until Miley shared an unexpected message on social media.

“To my dearest fans & all of those watching @teenchoicefox ! I want to say thank you from the very bottom of my heart for presenting me with #TheUltimateChoiceAward!” Miley posted on Instagram during the show. “I am beyond bummed I couldn’t make it to the show as I had every intention of being there to accept and celebrate this honor! I created an unrealistic schedule for myself which leads me to this announcement!”

“I’ve been tryin to keep the secret but I can’t hide it any longer! My new single / music video #YoungerNow will be dropping this Friday, Aug 18th & I am sooooooo EXCITED to share it with all of you!” she added. “I hope to always make people smile and shine light thru my work! I look forward to making music for the rest of my life and I’m thankful everyday for those who listen! I am sending so much love and peace into the world right now because THATS what we need most! Love Love & more LOVE! ????????????????????.”

Miley even revealed the single art cover image for her song, which features a sweet childhood throwback pic.

It is true that Miley had every intention of coming to the show: she visited the TCAs stage mere hours before the live show to sound check during rehearsals.

While we ARE excited for new Miley music, we hope that her over-packed schedule is really what’s to blame for her absence. We’ll be looking out for “Younger Now!”

Written by Kristine Hope Kowalski