Miley Cyrus Commemorates George Clooney with an Emotional Country Performance

Although Miley Cyrus is primarily known as a pop star with hits like ‘Flowers’ and ‘Wrecking Ball’, her music also reflects strong country influences, likely stemming from her father, the country musician Billy Ray Cyrus. This background may have led Cyrus to deliver a remarkable performance of the country/bluegrass track ‘Man of Constant Sorrow’ at the American Institute in 2018, with the video subsequently attracting over 8 million views online.

Cyrus took the stage as part of a tribute event honoring actor George Clooney following his receipt of the AFI lifetime achievement award. The song she performed was originally performed by Clooney’s character in the 2000 film ‘Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?’, in a scene that has become iconic in modern cinema. Cyrus undoubtedly paid homage to the scene, infusing the song with her deep, country-influenced vocals, which added a new layer of strength and vibrancy.

The audience that evening in 2018 clearly enjoyed the performance, with the live crowd applauding and cheering as Cyrus finished her act, and Clooney clapping enthusiastically with a broad smile as the singer greeted him. Unsurprisingly, the performance has received nearly 4,000 online comments, with many viewers praising Cyrus’s versatility as a singer. “She can really do it all,” one impressed viewer commented, “Such a powerful and interesting voice, and such creativity!”.

Another example of Cyrus revitalizing a classic country song is evident in her 2019 Glastonbury festival performance, where she performed Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’. Dressed in leather pants, a white crop top, high-heeled boots, and layers of gold jewelry, Cyrus demonstrated feminine strength as she confidently moved across the stage, adding her own pop-inspired flair to a song widely considered a country music staple.

Watching both of these performances highlights why Cyrus enjoys global fame. Brimming with vocal talent and stage presence, she skillfully manages any type of performance expected of her, whether it’s a heartfelt tribute to “America’s leading man” George Clooney or a effortlessly cool Glastonbury set that exudes energy and strength.