Wrecking Ball (Miley Cyrus song) for "Billboard", Jason Lipshutz stated that the "nude Cyrus shown straddling a swinging wrecking ball" was the most surprising piece of the clip. Amelia Proud from "Daily Mail" provided a mixed review, commenting that Cyrus delivered a visual that was more provocative than its "boisterous" predecessor "We Can't Stop" and questioned if she has "finally gone too far this time". The staff from "Entertainment Weekly" joked that viewers would be "scandalized/titillated/disappointed in Billy Ray Cyrus' parenting skills" after seeing his daughter nude and "fellating a sledgehammer. " Writing for "The Guardian", Michael Hann criticized Cyrus' attempts to distance herself from
Malibu (Miley Cyrus song) bombing, which had occurred 2 two days prior to her performance, saying, "I'd like to dedicate this song to my good friend Ariana Grande and to everyone who experienced that horrific attack yesterday. Our hearts are with you." On May 26, Cyrus also performed the song on the "Today" show as part as their Citi Concert series. On June 10, Cyrus performed "Malibu" during the iHeartRadio Summer Pool Party. She also performed the song on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon", along with "Inspired" which Fallon called her "the real deal", the following Wednesday. On September 15, Cyrus performed "Malibu"