Miley Cyrus' cover of Blondie's "Heart Of Glass" reminded us at NYLON that the pop star has always been a great cover artist. Though it shouldn't take away from her original work, Cyrus' voice — warm, weathered, and with a range that feels boundless — has always been a metamorphic wonder, ever since she stunned the world with her iconic version of "Jolene." That was neither the beginning nor the end though. Here are her best song covers, for your enjoyment.
"Jolene" - The Backyard Sessions, 2012
The cover that started it all, Miley's take on godmother Dolly Parton's classic plea to a woman her man has eyes for is also an undeniable testament to Cyrus' powerhouse vocals.
"Lilac Wine" - The Backyard Sessions, 2012
Miley's youthful vocals are as clean and stark as clear water on this meditative rendition of "Lilac Wine," a classic made famous by Nina Simone.
"Look What They've Done To My Song" - The Backyard Sessions, 2012
As a child star turned pop singer, Cyrus is intimately familiar with the machinations of fame and how it can strip artists of their idealism, making her cover of Melanie's 1970 song about disillusionment all the more potent.
"Summertime Sadness" - BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, 2013
Miley's rendition of this Lana Del Rey classic is generally stunning, but the vocals on the bridge prove that she does, indeed, have the range.
"Don't Dream It's Over" - Happy Hippie Presents: Backyard Sessions, 2015
Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus both sound like angels on this cozy rendition of Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over."
"Maneater" - Fallon, 2020
A bright spot in a dark time, Miley's rendition of the Hall & Oates 1982 mega-hit is a cheeky nod to her own relationships.
"My Future" - BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, 2020
Miley's warm and weathered vocals shine on this assertive and mature rendition of Billie Eilish's wide-eyed, self-love anthem.
"Heart Of Glass" - iHeartRadio Music Festival, 2020
Rocking a lingerie catsuit and a short mullet, Miley's twangy, throaty vocals add a gritty touch to Debbie Harry's feathery-light heartbreak ballad.
“Light Of A Clear Blue Morning” - SNL, 2021
For Mother’s Day, Cyrus paid a lovely tribute to her godmother Dolly Parton with a raspy belt of her ballad “Light Of A Clear Blue Morning.”
Madonna Medley (“Music,” “Express Yourself,” “Like A Prayer”) - Stand By You 2021 Pride Special
Nothing screams Pride more than watching Miley Cyrus sing the hell out of Madonna’s biggest hits, including a showstopping rendition of “Like A Prayer.”
“Heaven Or Las Vegas” - Resorts World Las Vegas, 2021
Miley Cyrus delivered a hypnotizing snippet of the Cocteau Twins classic in Las Vegas with assistance from a backing band that perfectly recreated the song’s shoegaze sound.