Around GMA

Article Inside Page

After receiving an outpouring of love from fans, Miley Cyrus' hit song "Flowers" now faces unexpected challenges related to copyright and legal issues.

On September 16, a federal court in Los Angeles heard concerns from Tempo Music Investments, which alleges that Miley's Grammy-winning track draws on elements from Bruno Mars' 2013 Hot 100-charting song "When I Was Your Man."

Tempo Music's lawyers claimed, "Any fan of Bruno Mars' 'When I Was Your Man' knows that Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers' did not achieve all of that success on its own. 'Flowers' duplicates numerous melodic, harmonic, and lyrical elements of 'When I Was Your Man,' including the melodic pitch design and sequence of the verse, the connecting base-line, and certain bars of the chorus, certain theatrical music elements, lyric elements, and specific chord progressions."

They also expressed their intention to prevent Miley from sharing or performing "Flowers" and sought an undisclosed sum in damages.

The 2012 song was co-written by Bruno Mars, Ari Levine, Andrew Wyatt, and Philip Lawrence. While Bruno is the original artist, he was not listed as a plaintiff in the complaint. Tempo Music claimed to have acquired certain US copyrights related to the song.

Miley's team has yet to comment on these allegations, leaving fans curious about the outcome.

Since its release in 2023, "Flowers" has captivated audiences with its empowering message and catchy tune. Many fans view it as Miley's bold statement of moving on from her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth, noting various hints in the lyrics and music video that allude to their past relationship. The song has truly resonated with listeners, becoming a favorite anthem for self-love and resilience. It has also won several awards, including the Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.

Meanwhile, take a look back at the high-profile libel complaints in Philippine showbiz: