Miley Cyrus is facing a lawsuit for copyright infringement over her 2023 hit “Flowers,” which won the Grammy for Record of the Year.
The lawsuit claims that Cyrus “intentionally copied” Bruno Mars’ 2012 ballad “When I Was Your Man.” However, the suit isn’t from Mars, but from Tempo Music Investments, which allegedly owns a portion of the song’s copyright.
The similarities between the two songs have been widely noted, including the lyrics. Cyrus sings, “I can buy myself flowers,” while Mars’ lyrics include, “I should’ve bought you flowers.”
The plaintiff highlights significant similarities in lyrics, melody, harmony, and chord progressions, arguing that “Flowers” would not exist without “When I Was Your Man.” Tempo Music seeks to prevent Cyrus from distributing or performing her song and is also seeking financial compensation.
Tempo Music, founded in 2019 by Providence Equity Partners and Warner Music Group (WMG), acquired the catalog of Philip Lawrence, a co-writer and co-producer of “When I Was Your Man” alongside Mars.
