Miley Cyrus is facing a legal challenge that could have significant implications for her hit song “Flowers.”
A US federal judge has ruled that the pop star’s request to dismiss a copyright lawsuit will not be granted, meaning she will have to defend her chart-topping track in court.
The Lawsuit and Allegations
The lawsuit was filed by Tempo Music Investments, which owns a stake in Bruno Mars’ 2013 hit “When I Was Your Man.”
They claim that “Flowers” borrows heavily from Mars’ song, alleging that both tracks share similar melodies, harmonies, and even lyrical elements.
The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, claims that the chord progressions and bass lines in “Flowers” are strikingly similar to those in Mars’ emotional ballad.
Cyrus’ Legal Team’s Argument
Cyrus’ legal team initially argued that Tempo Music did not have the right to file the lawsuit, as they didn’t hold “exclusive rights” to the song.
However, Judge Dean D. Pregerson dismissed this argument, ruling that Tempo Music inherited the co-ownership rights to the song when they acquired Philip Lawrence’s catalogue.
As a result, they have standing to pursue the case without needing Mars’ involvement.
What This Means for the Case
Judge Pregerson’s ruling means the case will move forward and be tested in court. Tempo Music’s lawyer, Alex Weingarten, expressed confidence in their position, stating that they are eager to have the case resolved based on the merits and are optimistic about winning.
Global Attention on the Lawsuit
While the case revolves around US copyright law, it’s likely to have broader implications, especially in countries like South Africa, where music fans and industry experts are closely watching.
“Flowers” spent eight weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and won the prestigious Record of the Year Grammy in 2024, a category that Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” was nominated for a decade earlier.
A ruling in this case could set a precedent for copyright cases in the global music industry.
The Rumors Around Cyrus’ Divorce
There’s also speculation that “Flowers” was inspired by Cyrus’ personal life, particularly her divorce from actor Liam Hemsworth.
Rumors suggest that Hemsworth once dedicated “When I Was Your Man” to Cyrus, and the song was played at their wedding.
While Cyrus has never confirmed this connection, the ongoing lawsuit could force her to publicly address the song’s inspiration, which insiders say might be more uncomfortable for her than the legal proceedings themselves.
The Stakes for Miley Cyrus
The lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages and asks for “Flowers” to be removed from streaming platforms and sales, could have major financial and reputational consequences for Cyrus.
The case has already sparked controversy, with Tempo Music’s lawsuit claiming that “Flowers” wouldn’t have achieved the same success without drawing inspiration from Mars’ track.
If Cyrus loses, it could tarnish her image and cost her millions in royalties.
What Happens Next?
Now that the judge has ruled, the case is set to go to trial, where experts will compare the two songs and determine whether the similarities are too much to be coincidental.
Cyrus will have to defend “Flowers” against the claims, and the outcome of the trial will be closely watched by fans and industry professionals alike.
Final Thoughts
With the legal battle now officially underway, the question remains: Did Miley Cyrus borrow too heavily from Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” for her hit song “Flowers”? Fans and legal experts will be following the case closely, and its outcome could have lasting effects on the music industry.