Miley Cyrus has never been an artist to simply stick to the expected. Over her career, she has repeatedly taken bold creative risks, whether through her original material or by breathing new life into classics from artists spanning rock, pop, and country. Her covers often feel like both a tribute and a reinvention, revealing not just her vocal prowess but her fearless personality. From grunge to glam rock, from heartbreaking ballads to rebellious anthems, Cyrus’ cover catalog is a fascinating journey through the songs that shaped her—and the ones she has shaped with her own distinctive stamp.
Here, we rank the 26 best Miley Cyrus cover songs, from the thrillingly underrated to the outright iconic.
#26: Head Like a Hole – Nine Inch Nails
Why It Matters: Miley dives into industrial rock with ferocity.
Miley’s cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Head Like a Hole” is a daring choice, demonstrating her willingness to tackle aggressive and experimental material. Her version, while retaining the song’s industrial backbone, injects a raw, almost punk-like energy. Cyrus amplifies the emotional intensity with her vocal grit, turning Trent Reznor’s anger into a kind of cathartic release that feels uniquely her own. The track reminds listeners that Miley is not afraid to step out of her comfort zone and into more abrasive sonic territory.
#25: Cherry Bomb – The Runaways
Why It Matters: Channeling Joan Jett-era rebellion.
In her rendition of “Cherry Bomb,” Cyrus pays homage to the defiant spirit of The Runaways. She captures the raw, youthful energy of the original, layering her vocals with a slightly modernized rock sheen. The cover not only showcases her rocker persona but also nods to her admiration for women in rock who paved the way. It’s a gritty, fun, and unapologetically rebellious performance that lets Miley play with attitude and swagger.
#24: Bad Reputation – Joan Jett
Why It Matters: Punk attitude meets mainstream pop star.
Miley’s take on “Bad Reputation” is a perfect collision of her country roots, pop sensibilities, and rock attitude. She brings an irrepressible energy to Joan Jett’s anthem of defiance. The performance is imbued with a self-aware confidence, and she nails the rebellious ethos, showing that she doesn’t mind being polarizing if it means expressing herself authentically. Fans have often cited this cover as a turning point in Miley’s rock-inspired performances.
#23: Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
Why It Matters: Grunge’s angst meets Miley’s vocal charisma.
Covering Nirvana’s iconic grunge anthem is no small feat, but Miley pulls it off with a mix of reverence and reinterpretation. Her version softens the original’s harshness slightly while highlighting the emotional tension in Kurt Cobain’s lyrics. She brings a theatricality to the performance that feels both nostalgic and fresh, introducing the song to a new generation while respecting its roots.
#22: My Future – Billie Eilish
Why It Matters: A self-cover with soulful reinvention.
While technically a reinterpretation of her own hit, Miley’s live renditions of “My Future” transform the song into something deeply personal and emotive. Stripping back the production, she emphasizes vulnerability in her vocals, highlighting lyrics that reflect introspection and growth. It’s a subtle reminder that Miley can make even her own songs feel new and compelling.
#21: Tiny Dancer – Elton John
Why It Matters: Elevating a classic with raw emotion.
Miley’s cover of “Tiny Dancer” is a masterclass in emotional delivery. She approaches Elton John’s beloved ballad with a stripped-down, piano-driven arrangement that foregrounds her vocals. The performance radiates intimacy, and her nuanced phrasing brings a modern melancholy to the track. It’s a beautiful example of how Miley can reinterpret a classic without overshadowing its original charm.
#20: New York State of Mind – Billy Joel
Why It Matters: Jazz-inflected authenticity.
In this heartfelt homage to Billy Joel, Miley showcases her ability to handle a complex melodic line with effortless ease. Her version leans into jazz and blues inflections, giving the song a warm, smoky feel. It’s a demonstration of her versatility and emotional intelligence, proving she can hold her own in genres outside of pop and rock.
#19: 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover – Paul Simon
Why It Matters: Cleverly modernized folk classic.
Miley’s interpretation of Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” is playful yet poignant. She keeps the song’s clever wordplay intact while injecting a contemporary energy that makes the track feel fresh. Her phrasing emphasizes both the humor and heartbreak in Simon’s lyrics, turning a folk classic into a subtle pop-rock gem.
#18: Roadhouse Blues – The Doors
Why It Matters: Rock ‘n’ roll swagger in full force.
Taking on The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” allows Miley to embrace gritty, blues-infused rock. Her version amplifies the rebellious energy of Jim Morrison’s original while adding a raw, vocal-driven edge. It’s the kind of cover that feels like a live jam session—loose, energetic, and full of personality—showcasing her skills as a rock interpreter.
#17: Sweet Jane – The Velvet Underground
Why It Matters: Art-rock sophistication meets pop sensibility.
Miley’s take on “Sweet Jane” captures the subtle art-rock sensibilities of Lou Reed while filtering them through her own vocal personality. The cover balances intimacy with a sense of grandeur, revealing her ability to handle understated complexity in a song. It’s a thoughtful and emotionally resonant performance that deepens her musical credibility.
#16: Rebel Yell – Billy Idol
Why It Matters: Channeling 80s rock energy.
Miley turns Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” into a powerhouse performance. Her rendition keeps the high-octane rock energy intact while allowing her vocal textures to shine. There’s a playful intensity in her delivery, merging nostalgia with a contemporary edge. This cover is a celebration of 80s glam rock and Miley’s fearless performance style.
#15: Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
Why It Matters: Soulful introspection at its finest.
Miley’s cover of “Wish You Were Here” is a hauntingly beautiful interpretation. Stripped of the original’s progressive rock instrumentation, she focuses on vocal expression, evoking a sense of longing and melancholy. It’s a rare moment where her vulnerability is front and center, making this classic feel both timeless and deeply personal.
#14: Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
Why It Matters: A metal ballad transformed into tender vulnerability.
Transforming Metallica’s power ballad into a delicate vocal showcase, Miley strips down “Nothing Else Matters” to its emotional core. Her phrasing highlights the song’s introspective lyrics, and she balances tenderness with a quiet intensity that feels fresh. It’s a bold move for a pop-rock artist, and it pays off by revealing new facets of the song.
#13: These Boots Are Made for Walking – Nancy Sinatra
Why It Matters: Classic sass with modern attitude.
Miley’s version of Nancy Sinatra’s iconic track infuses the song with a contemporary edge while retaining its playful swagger. Her vocals carry both strength and flirtation, making the cover feel like a statement of confidence. It’s fun, stylish, and undeniably Miley, turning a 60s classic into a present-day anthem.
#12: Don’t Dream It’s Over – Crowded House
Why It Matters: Melancholic beauty reimagined.
In covering Crowded House’s signature song, Miley taps into the wistful nostalgia of the original while introducing a modern intimacy. The performance is stripped-back, highlighting vocal nuance and lyrical depth. Her interpretation feels reflective and vulnerable, showcasing her capacity to honor the emotion of a classic while imprinting her own artistry.
#11: Summertime Sadness – Lana Del Rey
Why It Matters: Reinventing contemporary pop.
Miley’s take on Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness” is transformative. She injects a rawer, more emotive edge into the cinematic pop ballad, stripping it down to focus on vocal emotion. The cover accentuates melancholy and longing, creating a version that’s distinct, haunting, and memorable.
#10: A Day in the Life – The Beatles
Why It Matters: Tackling one of pop’s greatest masterpieces.
Covering “A Day in the Life” is an audacious move for any artist, and Miley delivers with sophistication and emotional depth. She navigates the complex song structure, shifting seamlessly between gentle introspection and dramatic crescendos. Her interpretation respects the Beatles’ genius while allowing her own voice to shine, demonstrating both reverence and creativity.
#9: Androgynous – The Replacements
Why It Matters: Queer anthem meets Miley’s gender-bending artistry.
Miley’s cover of The Replacements’ “Androgynous” resonates with her bold, gender-fluid persona. The performance emphasizes inclusivity and self-expression, blending playful energy with sincerity. She celebrates the song’s progressive spirit while making it relevant to a modern audience, proving her ability to connect socially conscious messages with compelling performance.
#8: The Bitch Is Back – Elton John
Why It Matters: Unapologetic energy unleashed.
Miley’s version of “The Bitch Is Back” is unapologetically bold. She takes Elton John’s glam rock hit and cranks up the rock edge while delivering a vocal performance that’s fierce, cheeky, and completely confident. This cover embodies Miley’s larger-than-life stage persona and her love for theatricality.
#7: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
Why It Matters: Fun, irreverent, and iconic.
Miley brings a rebellious twist to Cyndi Lauper’s beloved anthem. Her version is less bubblegum pop and more rock-infused celebration, giving the song a fresh energy while honoring its feminist roots. The cover showcases her ability to balance nostalgia with personal flair, making it both playful and empowering.
#6: Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison
Why It Matters: Heartfelt vulnerability meets rock balladry.
Miley’s rendition of Poison’s classic ballad is emotional and raw. She amplifies the bittersweet themes of love and loss with a tender, haunting delivery. The cover resonates with sincerity and maturity, transforming the glam metal staple into a modern, soul-stirring performance.
#5: Zombie – The Cranberries
Why It Matters: Powerful social commentary through vocal intensity.
Covering The Cranberries’ iconic protest song “Zombie,” Miley delivers a haunting and explosive interpretation. Her voice channels both sorrow and rage, capturing the song’s political and emotional depth. It’s a commanding performance that highlights her ability to convey intense narrative through vocals alone.
#4: Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
Why It Matters: Timeless introspection with new emotional layers.
Miley’s “Landslide” is stripped-down and vulnerable, highlighting her mastery of emotional nuance. She respects Stevie Nicks’ original while emphasizing personal interpretation, infusing each lyric with longing and reflection. It’s an intimate, hauntingly beautiful cover that cements her status as a master of heartfelt reinterpretation.
#3: Like a Prayer – Madonna
Why It Matters: Melding pop mastery with vocal prowess.
Miley’s take on Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” is bold, theatrical, and deeply expressive. She balances gospel-inspired elements with rock intensity, making the song feel both reverent and newly invigorated. This performance is a testament to her vocal versatility and fearless approach to iconic material.
#2: Heart of Glass – Blondie
Why It Matters: Disco-punk reinvention with charisma.
Miley reinvents Blondie’s disco-infused hit with a rock-leaning edge while preserving its infectious energy. She highlights the song’s emotional undercurrents, blending vulnerability with playful confidence. This cover is stylish, energetic, and wholly representative of her ability to bridge eras of music with a contemporary twist.
#1: Jolene – Dolly Parton
Why It Matters: Emotional storytelling at its peak.
Topping the list, Miley’s cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is nothing short of transformative. She captures the desperation and vulnerability of the original while injecting her own vocal textures and subtle modern inflections. The performance feels deeply personal, with each note conveying emotion and narrative clarity. It’s a masterclass in interpretation, demonstrating why Miley Cyrus is not just a singer but a true artist capable of honoring and redefining classic songs.
Conclusion
Miley Cyrus’ cover catalog is a fascinating chronicle of her musical curiosity, fearless experimentation, and vocal versatility. From industrial rock to country ballads, from glam rock to pop icons, she has consistently taken risks and delivered performances that are both respectful of the originals and boldly her own. These 26 covers, ranked from #26 to #1, highlight not only her vocal range and artistic courage but also her ability to make every song feel alive, contemporary, and deeply personal.
Cyrus’ journey as a cover artist underscores a simple truth: she doesn’t just sing songs—she inhabits them. Each interpretation is an invitation to see a classic through her lens, merging homage with innovation. It’s this combination of respect, bravery, and creativity that solidifies Miley Cyrus as one of the most compelling interpreters in contemporary music.
