Miley Cyrus is best known as a pop star, with massive hits like Flowers and Wrecking Ball, but if you listen closely, you’ll notice that country music has always been a part of her sound. That’s no surprise—after all, her father is none other than country legend Billy Ray Cyrus.
This deep-rooted country influence was on full display in 2018 when Miley took the stage at the American Film Institute’s tribute to George Clooney. Instead of performing one of her own songs, she delivered a show-stopping version of Man of Constant Sorrow, a classic country-bluegrass song that became famous when Clooney’s character sang it in the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?
As the music began, the audience leaned forward, eager to see what Miley would bring to the song. Dressed in a sleek black outfit, she stood confidently in the spotlight. Then, as soon as she opened her mouth, the entire room was captivated.
Her voice, rich with country twang and raw emotion, filled the theater with an energy that hadn’t been heard in this song before. She didn’t just sing Man of Constant Sorrow—she owned it.
By the time she hit the final note, the crowd erupted in cheers. People whistled and clapped, clearly thrilled by her unexpected yet powerful performance. In the audience, George Clooney himself was grinning from ear to ear, clapping enthusiastically as Miley gave him a friendly wave. The moment was pure magic.
The internet agreed. The video of Miley’s performance has since racked up more than 8 million views, and the comments section is flooded with praise. “She can really do it all,” one fan wrote. “Such a powerful and interesting voice, and such creativity!” Another added, “I had no idea she could sing like this! What a talent!”
But this wasn’t the only time Miley put her spin on a legendary country song. Just a year later, in 2019, she took the stage at the Glastonbury Festival and delivered a fiery performance of Jolene, the beloved hit by her godmother, Dolly Parton.
This time, Miley embraced her rockstar side. Wearing leather pants, a white crop top, high-heeled boots, and layers of gold jewelry, she strutted across the stage with pure confidence. Her voice was bold, her energy electric. She didn’t just cover Jolene—she reinvented it with her own pop-rock edge, and the crowd loved every second.
Watching these performances, it’s easy to see why Miley Cyrus is one of the most respected artists in the music industry. She’s not just a pop star. She’s a performer with incredible range, capable of tackling any genre and making it her own.
Whether she’s paying tribute to “America’s leading man” George Clooney with a haunting country ballad or rocking out at one of the world’s biggest music festivals, Miley always delivers.
Now, the only question is: Which of her performances do you love the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
