Miley Cyrus transformation: Singer performs new single Malibu at BBMAs sans raunchy get-up

A Miley Cyrus performance most often meant revealing costumes, oversized sexual toys and a lot of tongue. So you can imagine the pleasant surprise guests at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards received when the artist took to the stage without any of her usual fanfare.

Introducing the singer was her sister Noah and father Billy Ray Cyrus. "She's the happiest she's ever been," the younger Cyrus gushed. "And, for the first time in years with pants on, my big sister Miley Cyrus."

The 24-year-old then appeared on stage for a debut live performance of her new single Malibu from her upcoming album and did so in a rather simple get-up of white denim cut-off shorts, matching off-the-shoulder peasant-style crop-top and tan cowboy hat.

Speaking ahead of the awards show, Noah explained that while the rest of the world was talking about her sister's big transformation, to her, she seemed the same.

"I see new music, but I don't really see a Miley change. Miley is always going to be Miley to me and I don't see a new Miley [or] an old Miley," Noah explained to E! News while walking the red carpet. "Some people do and I get really confused when people say that. I don't know. I just see her as my sister and the person I've loved since I was a baby.

"She's my sister and she doesn't change to me. Whatever makes her happy is what I want."

The Climb singer herself has spoken out about the numerous changes she has made to her life, from quitting marijuana and alcohol to the tone of her recent music. "I will always be the naked girl on a wrecking ball. No matter how much I just frolic with Emu, I'm always the naked girl on the wrecking ball," she said while on The Zach Sang Show on 16 May, referring to the video for her single Wrecking Ball "I should have thought how long that was going to have to follow me around."

Watch the video of Cyrus' Billboard Music Awards performance below: