Miley Cyrus has officially responded to allegations that her chart-topping single Flowers is a copy of Bruno Mars’ When I Was Your Man. The lawsuit, filed by Tempo Music Investments earlier this year, accuses Cyrus and her co-writers of exploiting elements of the 2013 hit to create a “derivative work.”
Legal Battle Over Song Similarities
Flowers, released in January 2023, became a global sensation, earning Miley Cyrus several awards, including Record of the Year at the Grammys. However, Tempo Music, which owns a share of When I Was Your Man, argues that the success of Flowers was built on striking similarities to the Mars hit. They cite resemblances in melody, basslines, chord progressions, and lyrics as evidence, claiming the song would not exist without borrowing from When I Was Your Man.
Cyrus’ legal team has dismissed these allegations, filing a motion in a Los Angeles federal court to drop the case. They assert that Tempo Music lacks exclusivity over the copyright, as only one of the four original songwriters, Philip Lawrence, is represented in the lawsuit. Bruno Mars and the other co-writers—Philip Ari Levine and Andrew Wyatt—are not plaintiffs.
Additionally, Cyrus’ lawyers emphasize the artistic independence of Flowers, stating that any similarities are coincidental and consist of “random, scattered, unprotected ideas and musical building blocks” that fall outside copyright protection.
Despite the controversy, Flowers has cemented itself as Cyrus’ most successful single, with accolades from both fans and critics. Its empowering lyrics and infectious melody struck a chord globally, achieving record-breaking sales and streams.
The lawsuit remains unresolved, but Cyrus and her team continue to deny any intentional copying. Whether or not the case proceeds, Flowers has already left its mark as a defining moment in Miley Cyrus’ career. Meanwhile, fans of both artists continue to debate the similarities, making this legal drama a notable chapter in modern music history.
