Miley Cyrus is known for her powerful voice, but she surprised many by embracing a country style in a heartfelt tribute to the late Tom Petty. She teamed up with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, to perform Petty’s ballad “Wildflowers” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Fans were captivated by Miley’s performance, which highlighted her versatility beyond pop music.
Dressed in a flowing pink gown, Miley took the spotlight with her soulful vocals, while her dad played acoustic guitar and provided backup. A touching moment came during the bridge when Miley asked, “Ready, dad?” before harmonizing beautifully with him.
This performance showcased Miley’s natural ability in the country genre, a nod to her Tennessee roots and her father’s influence. The duet, aired on October 6, 2017, just days after Petty’s passing, quickly gained popularity, amassing 4.4 million views on YouTube.
Fans were impressed, leaving comments like, “This girl can literally sing anything,” and “Their bond is so beautiful.” Miley’s previous country cover, Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” had also been a hit, with 473 million views.
Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers,” the opening track of his 1994 album, remains a fan favorite and one of his most streamed songs. Miley’s rendition added a special touch to the enduring legacy of the song.