Miley Cyrus has been hit with a lawsuit by Tempo Music Investments, accusing her of copying Bruno Mars’ 2013 hit “When I Was Your Man” in her Grammy-winning song “Flowers.” This legal battle, filed on September 16, claims that Cyrus, along with her co-writers Gregory Hein and Michael Pollack, as well as several entertainment companies, unlawfully reproduced and distributed significant elements from Mars’ song.
Allegations of Copyright Infringement
The lawsuit claims that Cyrus’ song “Flowers” shares melodic, harmonic, and lyrical similarities with Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man.” According to court documents, Tempo Music Investments contends that “Flowers” mirrors Mars’ song in several aspects, including the melodic pitch, bass-line, chord progressions, and specific parts of the chorus. The lawsuit goes as far as to say that these similarities are too significant to be coincidental, stating that “‘Flowers’ would not exist without ‘When I Was Your Man.'”
In addition to the melodic and harmonic connections, the lawsuit also alleges that the lyrics of the two songs are intertwined, particularly in the chorus. The documents assert that the “musical similarities” are not accidental and that Cyrus’ songwriters borrowed heavily from Mars’ composition.
Defendants and Potential Consequences
Apart from Miley Cyrus, her collaborators Hein and Pollack are also named as defendants. The lawsuit aims to prohibit the further reproduction, distribution, or public performance of “Flowers” and seeks damages that will be determined during the trial. As of now, representatives for Bruno Mars, Miley Cyrus, and the other defendants have not responded to the allegations.
Insight into the Creation of “Flowers”
“Flowers” was a massive hit for Cyrus, earning her two Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. In a past interview with British Vogue, Cyrus revealed her initial approach to the song was vastly different. The original lyrics leaned towards a more melancholic tone: “I can buy myself flowers, write my name in the sand, but I can’t love me better than you can.” However, she decided to pivot from a heartbreaking narrative to a more empowering one, describing the final version as a “fake it till you make it” anthem.
What Lies Ahead for Miley Cyrus?
As the legal battle unfolds, Cyrus and her team will need to navigate the complexities of this copyright infringement lawsuit. The outcome could impact not only the future of “Flowers” but also set a precedent for how music copyright cases are handled when melodic and lyrical similarities arise between hit songs. Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely to see how this dispute will play out.
