Although Miley Cyrus is best known as a pop artist – with global hits like “Flowers,” “Wrecking Ball,” and “Party in the U.S.A.” dominating the charts – her music has always carried noticeable traces of country influence. This is not surprising, given that she grew up surrounded by the genre, thanks in no small part to her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, who himself became a household name in the 1990s with “Achy, Breaky Heart.” That early exposure to twangy guitars, heartfelt lyrics, and raw storytelling left its mark on her, and it shines through whenever she chooses to step outside mainstream pop to tackle a song rooted in country or bluegrass traditions.
One of the most remarkable examples of this crossover talent came in 2018, when Miley delivered a stirring rendition of “Man of Constant Sorrow” at the American Film Institute’s gala honoring George Clooney. The performance was part of a star-studded evening celebrating Clooney’s AFI Lifetime Achievement Award, and the song choice couldn’t have been more fitting. In the 2000 Coen Brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Clooney’s character famously “sings” the track in a memorable scene that has since become etched into modern film history. Taking on such a song carried enormous weight, but Cyrus more than rose to the challenge.
Her version was powerful yet soulful, with a rich, country-tinged vocal that gave the song a renewed intensity. She didn’t simply mimic the original — she infused it with her own personality, bringing energy and depth that had audience members riveted from the very first note. By the time she finished, the crowd erupted in cheers and whistles, clearly moved by her performance. Clooney himself was visibly delighted, clapping with enthusiasm, his wide smile showing just how much he appreciated her heartfelt tribute.
The video of that moment, which has now been viewed more than 8 million times online, continues to attract attention and admiration. Nearly 4,000 comments from fans highlight how Cyrus managed to surprise even those who already knew her as a versatile performer. Viewers praised her for proving once again that she cannot be confined to one genre. “She can really do it all,” one commenter wrote, while another described her voice as both “powerful and unique,” marveling at her ability to adapt her sound to suit any style of music.
Of course, this wasn’t the only time Miley demonstrated her affinity for country classics. At the Glastonbury Festival in 2019, she wowed audiences with a fiery rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” a song that is practically sacred in the world of country music. Dressed in edgy leather pants, a white crop top, high-heeled boots, and layers of gold jewelry, she struck the perfect balance between pop star glamour and country grit. With every step across the stage, she exuded confidence and raw feminine power. Her interpretation didn’t erase the song’s roots — instead, she gave it a fresh edge, infusing it with her rock-pop energy while still honoring Dolly Parton’s timeless classic. The crowd at Glastonbury responded with unrestrained excitement, singing along and cheering as she breathed new life into the beloved anthem.
When looking at both performances side by side, it becomes crystal clear why Miley Cyrus commands such global recognition. She is not just a pop star with catchy hits but an artist capable of transforming herself to fit whatever the moment demands. Whether she is paying homage to “America’s leading man” George Clooney with a moving bluegrass ballad, or igniting one of the world’s biggest music festivals with a rock-charged take on a country standard, Cyrus shows the same qualities: boundless vocal talent, magnetic stage presence, and an instinctive feel for connecting with her audience.
Her career has proven time and again that she cannot be boxed in. From pop ballads and dance anthems to country classics and heartfelt tributes, Miley Cyrus is an artist who thrives on versatility. Watching her perform “Man of Constant Sorrow” or “Jolene” reminds us that music has no limits for someone as fearless and creative as she is. It is this adaptability, combined with her undeniable charisma, that makes her not just a star but a true force in modern music.
