Miley Cyrus excelled when she performed Wildflowers on The Howard Stern Show
Legendary American musician Tom Petty passed away from a cardiac arrest just seven days after completing his 40th Anniversary Tour at age 66. His death prompted immediate and widespread sadness across the music community.
Miley Cyrus had not originally intended to perform "Wildflowers" during her promotional appearance on the Tonight Show for her "Younger Now" album. She first rehearsed the song with her musicians on Tuesday evening following Petty's death, then delivered a raw, emotional rendition the next morning as a tribute on the Howard Stern Radio Show.
The Stern version exhibits less refinement than her later performances. Viewer responses to Miley's Thursday night Tonight Show performance of "Wildflowers" generally fall into three distinct groups: admiration for her vocal abilities (particularly her impressive lower register), appreciation of her heartfelt tribute to Petty, and emotional reactions to her connection with her father.
The public relationship between pop icon Miley Cyrus and her father Billy Ray Cyrus, known for his one hit wonder status before becoming a Disney Channel actor, has frequently generated media attention. Miley's parents divorced when Billy Ray began a relationship with a woman younger than Miley herself, causing obvious tension. Miley notably skipped her father's wedding to Firerose in October 2023 and did not recognize him during her 2024 Grammy acceptance speech for Record of the Year. Recently, Billy Ray, 62, has separated from 34-year-old Firerose.
Many fans are pleased to see signs of healing between father and daughter. This video showing Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus performing Tom Petty's "Wildflower" during Miley's week on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon captures their bond. Tom Petty died on October 2, 2017, and this touching tribute occurred that Thursday. The visible connection between Miley and her Stetson-wearing father intensifies the emotional impact.
Reactions to the televised Tonight Show version were overwhelmingly positive. Celticat commented: "The Lady can sing. I've completely changed my mind about her. There is something exceptional behind the hype and bullshit!" Micro Dave noted: "This girl can sing anything. The range she has is amazing, I've become a fan." Sarah Kuhn shared: "Tom was my favourite artist. Wildflowers was the song I picked for my father/daughter dance for my wedding. I can't get over how much you did this song justice, Miley." Another viewer admitted Miley's final notes brought tears to her eyes, adding, "Her dress and blonde hair, and with her dad playing the guitar, give me Hannah Montana feels." Too Chillery observed: "I love how Billy didn't do anything to take away from his daughter in this performance."
Like any genuine father would behave. Much respect." Bad Sama Jama, along with numerous others, highlights the most touching moment in the performance (when Miley says "Ready Dad"), commenting: "'Ready Dad'... I love that, it's so adorable! I'm completely envious. I miss my Dad so terribly much."
According to TMZ, Billy Ray Cyrus is attempting to get his marriage to Firerose nullified, claiming deception. The pair split up in May 2024. During June 2024, Miley discussed the estrangement from her father on David Letterman's Netflix program, where she concurred with the host's observation that "It's just the way it's been played." Miley then expressed appreciation for both her father and her mother, Tish, regarding their parenting methods.
