Miley Cyrus Honors George Clooney with a Fierce Performance of This Country Classic

Though Miley Cyrus is best known as a pop artist with chart-toppers like “Flowers” and “Wrecking Ball,” her music carries strong country influences, likely inspired by her father, country star Billy Ray Cyrus. This connection may explain her masterful performance of the country-bluegrass track “Man of Constant Sorrow” at the American Institute in 2018, a video that has since garnered over 8 million views online.

Cyrus’ performance was a highlight of a tribute show honoring actor George Clooney, who had just received the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award. The song she chose, “Man of Constant Sorrow,” was famously sung by Clooney’s character in the 2000 film *O Brother, Where Art Thou?*—a scene that has since become iconic in modern cinema. Cyrus did the moment justice, infusing the song with a powerful, country-tinged energy that gave it a fresh, dynamic edge.

The audience that night in 2018 was equally thrilled, erupting in cheers and applause as Cyrus finished her performance. Clooney himself clapped enthusiastically, a broad smile on his face as the singer waved in his direction. It’s no surprise the performance has sparked nearly 4,000 comments online, with many praising Cyrus’s versatility. “She can really do it all,” one impressed viewer remarked. “Such a powerful and unique voice, and so much creativity!”