Miley Cyrus Sued Over 'Flowers' For Allegedly Copying Bruno Mars Song

Background on the Lawsuit

Songwriter Sarah Hudson has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Miley Cyrus and others involved in the creation of her hit song "Flowers." Hudson claims that "Flowers" infringes on the copyright of her 2017 song "When I Was Your Man," which she co-wrote with Bruno Mars and Philip Lawrence.

Hudson alleges that the chorus of "Flowers" features "strikingly similar" chord progressions, lyrical themes, and melodies to "When I Was Your Man." She is seeking damages for copyright infringement, as well as an injunction to stop the distribution and sale of "Flowers."

Similarities Between the Songs

A comparison of the two songs reveals some notable similarities:

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Both songs are in the same key and use a similar tempo.

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The chord progressions in the choruses of both songs are nearly identical.

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Both songs feature lyrics about a woman who is better off after a breakup.

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The melodies of the choruses are similar, with a distinctive upward inflection on the word "flowers" in Cyrus's song and "man" in Hudson's song.

Legal Analysis

To establish copyright infringement, Hudson must prove that Cyrus copied "substantial" portions of "When I Was Your Man." The similarities between the two songs, particularly in the chorus, suggest that Hudson may have a strong case.

However, it is important to note that copyright does not protect individual elements of a song, such as chords or melodies. Instead, it protects the unique arrangement and combination of those elements. As such, the court will need to determine whether the similarities between "Flowers" and "When I Was Your Man" are sufficient to constitute copyright infringement.

Cyrus's Response

Cyrus has not yet filed a formal response to the lawsuit. However, her representatives have denied the allegations of copyright infringement. They argue that "Flowers" is an original work and that Hudson's claims are baseless.

Conclusion

The outcome of the lawsuit is uncertain, and it could take months or even years for a resolution. The case will be closely watched by the music industry, as it could have implications for the way that copyright is applied to popular music.