Miley Cyrus is facing a legal challenge over claims that her Grammy-winning single, “Flowers,” has borrowed elements from Bruno Mars’ 2012 ballad “When I Was Your Man.” According to legal documents, Tempo Music Investments has filed a lawsuit alleging that Cyrus’ 2023 hit mirrors several aspects of Mars’ song.
The investment firm, which holds a stake in the copyright of Mars’ track, contends that “Flowers” closely resembles Mars’ song in terms of chorus, harmony, melody, chord progressions, and lyrics. They argue that these similarities were deliberately incorporated into Cyrus’ song. Notably, Bruno Mars is not listed as a plaintiff in this lawsuit, as reported by Page Six.
TMZ reports that the contentious lawsuit against Miley Cyrus alleges that she copied the melody, harmony, and chorus of Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” for her hit “Flowers.” The suit argues that Cyrus would not have won her Grammy earlier this year without borrowing from Mars’ song. Tempo Music also contends that “Flowers” closely resembles the chord progressions and lyrics of the decade-old chart-topping classic.
As soon as Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” landed on streaming platforms in 2023, fans and media quickly pointed out its thematic parallels with Bruno Mars’ song. Speculation grew that Cyrus had adapted the 2011 track to echo her past romance with Liam Hemsworth, especially since Hemsworth had once dedicated “When I Was Your Man” to her. The release of “Flowers” on his birthday further hinted at a new phase in her life.
While “Flowers” is seen as a powerful breakup anthem celebrating self-love, Mars’ song, written over a decade ago, reflects regret over a past relationship. The similarities suggest that “Flowers” may sample Mars’ track but reworks the lyrics, potentially making a statement about her previous marriage.
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