Cyrus even guest hosted once when DeGeneres wasn't feeling well.
So when Cyrus came on the show on Monday, just after DeGeneres's birthday, she had to do something special.
Miley Cyrus & Mark Ronson Perform 'Nothing Breaks Like a Heart'
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Cyrus performed her new song "Nothing Breaks Like a Heart" with collaborator Mark Ronson. Cyrus's twangy vocals over Ronson's guitar and electronic beat impressed DeGeneres.
Ellen showered the duo with praise stating her appreciation for the song.
"I have to say I love these two. I asked them to be here on my birthday, so thank you for being here…"
Then DeGeneres addresses Cyrus.
"I love that song and your voice is insane! Don't you just love her voice?"
And who in the audience can disagree?
But after, it was the earrings Cyrus wore that left an impression on the audience.
She pointed out to the talk show host that her earrings were miniaturized covers of the TIME magazine where DeGeneres officially came out as a lesbian.
It was a touching tribute.
The iconic cover changed the course of DeGeneres's career when it debuted. While rumors about her sexuality were around, it was shocking for America in 1997 for DeGeneres to come out.
In the article from the magazine at the time, DeGeneres said:
"I don't think I could have done this a long time ago, and I don't think people would have accepted it as readily as they do now.
"Now I feel comfortable with myself, and I don't have to be fearful about something damaging my career if it gets out, because now I'm in control of it—sort of. No one can hurt me now."
Let's wish her a happy birthday!
Cyrus wearing the earrings for DeGeneres's birthday is touching, but much more low-key than the host's birthday last year.
For her 60th birthday a year ago, DeGeneres's wife Portia de Rossi planned a massive celebration with just about every celebrity you can imagine.
