Miley Cyrus is facing a legal challenge from Tempo Music Investments, which claims her 2023 smash hit “Flowers” borrows heavily from Bruno Mars’ 2013 ballad “When I Was Your Man.” The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, alleges that Cyrus’ track shares similar melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions with Mars’ song. Tempo Music, which acquired partial rights to Mars’ work in 2020, argues that the two songs are too close in structure for it to be coincidental. They assert that “Flowers” could not have been created without referencing Mars’ hit.
The lawsuit targets not only Miley Cyrus but also Sony Music Entertainment, the label behind “Flowers,” and includes several music publishers associated with the song, along with retailers and streaming platforms that distributed or streamed it.
Interestingly, Bruno Mars himself isn’t part of the lawsuit, but it’s drawing attention because of the massive success of both songs. While Cyrus took home Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Flowers” in 2024, Tempo Music is now seeking damages and even an injunction to stop further performances or sales of the track.
The Musical Similarities at the Heart of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit claims “Flowers” mirrors significant aspects of “When I Was Your Man,” particularly in its chorus and overall composition. According to Tempo Music, the opening melody and chords in Cyrus’ track closely align with the verse in Mars’ ballad. There’s also mention of thematic overlap, as both songs revolve around relationship struggles—Mars reflecting on a breakup with regret, and Cyrus using her song as an anthem of empowerment after heartache.
Tempo Music’s argument is that these resemblances amount to more than inspiration; they call it outright “intentional copying.” If the lawsuit goes their way, it could lead to financial penalties for Cyrus and even restrictions on how “Flowers” can be used in the future.
Copyright Battles in Music: A Growing Trend
This lawsuit is far from unique. The music industry has seen a surge in copyright cases lately, with notable examples like Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams’ “Blurred Lines” lawsuit and Katy Perry’s dispute over “Dark Horse.” As more artists face accusations of borrowing melodies, chord progressions, or even vibes from earlier hits, these cases test the boundaries of what’s considered fair use versus theft.
The challenge is that many elements of music—like certain chord progressions or lyrical themes—are common across multiple genres. So, when is a similarity just a coincidence, and when is it actual infringement? This is the question many hope the Miley Cyrus lawsuit will help answer.
The Lyrics in Question
Source: Tempo Music legal complaint against Miley Cyrus, et al.
The Rise and Impact of “Flowers”
Regardless of the legal battle, “Flowers” has already cemented itself as a cultural phenomenon. Released in January 2023, it quickly topped the charts worldwide, resonating with fans due to its empowering message of self-love and moving on from heartbreak. While many speculated the song was a nod to Cyrus’ breakup with actor Liam Hemsworth, its success went beyond any personal connection. With record-breaking streams and millions of YouTube views, “Flowers” became a global anthem for those embracing independence and resilience.
Critics and fans alike praised the song, noting its unique blend of pop, disco, and rock influences. It marked a career highlight for Cyrus, who has shown time and again her ability to evolve musically. Winning two Grammy Awards for the track only further solidified her place as a pop icon.
What’s Next for Miley?
As the lawsuit progresses, it’s uncertain what will happen with “Flowers.” If Tempo Music wins, it could mean financial damages for Cyrus or even limits on where and how the song can be performed. But even as this legal fight looms, “Flowers” remains a defining hit for her, and its empowering message continues to inspire listeners globally.
The case also highlights larger questions about creativity in the music industry. With so many songs influenced by what’s come before, where should the line be drawn between inspiration and infringement? Regardless of the outcome, Miley Cyrus’ influence on pop culture is undeniable, and “Flowers” is already part of her lasting legacy.
