We all know Miley Cyrus has an incredible voice, but she might just surprise you when she switches things up and goes full country. Miley teamed up with her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, for a heartfelt tribute to the late rock legend Tom Petty, performing his beautiful ballad “Wildflowers.” Fans were absolutely blown away by her performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, realizing she is so much more than just a pop star.
Miley performed the tribute shortly after Tom Petty passed away at the age of 66. Dressed like a true Southern belle in a flowing pink gown, she stood center stage, her voice rich and smoky, while her dad played acoustic guitar and sang backup. Their voices blended perfectly, creating pure magic on stage. One of the most touching moments came during the bridge when Miley turned to her dad and asked, “Ready, Dad?” before launching into a stunning harmony with him. It was a moment that melted hearts everywhere.
Most fans are used to seeing Miley rock out in pop and rock styles, but hearing her sing a country song so naturally, you can almost imagine an alternate world where she became a huge country star like Dolly Parton. And really, it makes sense! Miley grew up on a farm outside Nashville, Tennessee, and with a father who’s a country music legend, it’s no wonder she has those country roots deep in her soul.
Miley and Billy Ray performed “Wildflowers” on The Tonight Show on October 6, 2017—just four days after Tom Petty passed away on October 2. The performance became a big hit on YouTube, racking up an impressive 4.4 million views. Of course, this wasn’t the first time Miley showed off her country side. Her live studio cover of Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene” was also a massive success, drawing in a jaw-dropping 473 million views!
Fans couldn’t stop raving about her “Wildflowers” performance, flooding the comments with praise. One person wrote, “This girl can literally sing anything. I’ve listened to a few of her videos recently, and the range she has is amazing—I’ve become a fan.” Another shared, “I always love when Miley and Billy share the stage. Their bond is so beautiful.”
Tom Petty originally released “Wildflowers” on November 1, 1994, as the opening track of his second solo studio album of the same name. Though it was never officially released as a single, the song became a fan favorite at his concerts and remains one of his most streamed songs online.
If you want to hear more from Miley, make sure to subscribe to her YouTube channel for more incredible performances. You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on her latest music. And for even more info, be sure to check out her official website!