Miley Cyrus Paid Tribute To Tom Petty With A Soulful Performance Of “Wildflowers”
American music legend Tom Petty passed away on October 2, 2017, at the age of 66 due to a heart attack. This tragic event occurred just one week after completing his 40th Anniversary Tour with The Heartbreakers, a tour celebrating his decades-long career.
Petty had long been regarded as a rock icon, known for hits like Free Fallin’ and American Girl. His death shocked the music world, as he had been actively performing and showed no signs of slowing down.
Miley hadn’t originally planned to perform Wildflower during her Tonight Show appearances promoting her Younger Now album. But after hearing the news of Tom Petty’s passing, she quickly changed course.
She rehearsed the song with her band the night after his death, and the next morning, delivered a raw, emotional version on the Howard Stern Show in tribute. This performance, though less polished, captured the genuine grief and respect Miley felt for the late music legend.
The comments on Miley’s rendition of Wildflowers on The Tonight Show can be grouped into three main reactions. Many viewers express their delight at her singing, particularly impressed by her rich lower range, while others highlight her impressive ability to cross various music genres.
Additionally, the performance is widely seen as a heartfelt tribute to Tom Petty. Finally, many fans are moved by the connection Miley shares with her father.
A fan commented, “Wow her voice aged well. Never thought I’d say I enjoyed a Miley Cyrus performance. It’s nice to see her doing real country and not the typical ‘pop country’ that most people have mistaken country for.”
Another added, “Absolutely beautiful. Beautiful song. Beautiful performance. The world misses Tom Petty so much.”
