Maxx Morando is opening up about one of the biggest moments of his life, revealing how he pulled off a surprise proposal to fiancée Miley Cyrus during a romantic trip to Japan.
The 27-year-old Liily drummer shared the intimate details in an interview with Wonderland magazine, published July 28, explaining how he carefully planned the proposal despite Cyrus becoming increasingly suspicious that he was about to pop the question.
© Penske Media via Getty ImagesMaxx Morando Planned the Proposal Until the Very Last Minute
Morando revealed that he and the "Flowers" singer traveled to Japan together for what became an unforgettable milestone in their relationship. "We were in Kyoto, Japan," Morando told Wonderland. "For some reason, you'll find this as crazy as I did, she'd never been to Japan before. Neither had I, and we'd both wanted to go for a really long time. There were talks before we went about me popping the question but I was trying to keep it secret."
Although the couple had discussed marriage before their trip, Morando said keeping the proposal a surprise proved more difficult than expected. Throughout their vacation, Cyrus had a feeling something special might happen. To keep her guessing, Morando deliberately held off until the final hours of their getaway. "I had to be really sneaky about it," he explained. "We went to Tokyo first for a couple days and then on to Kyoto. I think she had a sense that it was coming."
Rather than proposing early in the trip, he waited until "the very last moment of the very last day to throw her off the scent."
A Beautiful Japanese Garden Became the Perfect Setting
While many celebrity proposals feature elaborate floral displays or extravagant backdrops, Morando chose a quiet, natural setting inside the grounds of their hotel.
© Getty Images for Vanity FairHe described finding a secluded area tucked away in a Japanese garden where the moment unfolded naturally. "It was a little dead end, this beautiful Japanese forest-y situation," Morando recalled. "She was taking videos, and was turned away. That's when I got on one knee and tapped her on the shoulder."
Maxx Morando Admits He Was Extremely Nervous
Even with every detail planned, Morando admitted he was overwhelmed with nerves before asking the question. "I was sweating," he said. "I could feel my heart pounding. You grow up as a kid watching the movies where the guy gets on one knee and does the whole thing, and you know that's what you're supposed to do. But then you realize, 'Okay, I literally have to get on one knee.'"
© Getty Images for The Recording ALike many people preparing for such a life-changing moment, Morando worried something might go wrong, including accidentally dropping the engagement ring before he could ask the question.
Fortunately, everything went according to plan.
Miley Cyrus Says She Was Completely Surprised
Although Cyrus prides herself on being difficult to surprise, Morando managed to pull it off. The 33-year-old singer first confirmed their engagement in December 2025 when she debuted her engagement ring at the “Avatar: Fire and Ash” premiere.
© Axelle/Bauer-GriffinDuring an appearance on Good Morning America that same month, Cyrus admitted she never saw the proposal coming. "I am not easy to surprise," she said. "I love to control every situation. I had completely surrendered. I'm telling you, I was so, so, so surprised."
Her reaction made Morando's careful planning well worth the effort.
Cyrus and Morando have been together since 2021 after meeting through a blind date. The couple made their red carpet debut together at Gucci's Love Parade event in November 2021 and have since become one of music's most private yet supportive couples.
