Miley Cyrus Celebrates George Clooney Through a Powerful Country Performance

Although Miley Cyrus is primarily known as a pop artist with chart-toppers 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 played a role in Cyrus delivering a remarkable performance of the country/bluegrass track ‘Man of Constant Sorrow’ at the American Institute in 2018, with the accompanying video subsequently amassing over 8 million views online.

Cyrus took the stage during a tribute event honoring actor George Clooney following his receipt of the AFI lifetime achievement award. She performed the song 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, her rich, country-influenced vocals breathing new strength and vitality into the song.

The audience that evening in 2018 clearly enjoyed the performance, with live attendees applauding and cheering as Cyrus finished her act, while Clooney clapped enthusiastically with a broad smile as the singer acknowledged him. Unsurprisingly, the performance has attracted nearly 4,000 online comments, with many viewers praising Cyrus’s versatility as a singer. “She can really do it all,” says one impressed viewer, “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 delivered Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’. Dressed in leather pants, a white crop top, high-heeled boots, and layers of gold jewelry, Cyrus embodies feminine strength as she confidently navigates the stage, infusing her own pop-inspired flair into a song that is widely considered a country music staple.

Looking at both of these performances highlights that Cyrus has achieved global fame for a reason. Brimming with vocal talent and stage presence, she expertly 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.