Numerous legendary American comedians, including Whoopi Goldberg, Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, and, most recently, Kevin Hart, have been honored with the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor since its inception in 1998. The 2016 ceremony featured actor Bill Murray, known for his roles in โGhostbustersโ and โGroundhog Day.โ No one could have foreseen the extraordinary level of Miley Cyrusโs performance when she began the festivities by singing Frank Sinatraโs โMy Way.โ
Mileyโs rendition begins similarly to Sinatraโs 1969 hit: with a grand piano as a backdrop, the songโs waltz-like tempo adorned with the vocal runs of a pop icon, and witty asides inserted between lines. As Miley took the stage, Bill Murray, who was seated in the audience, watched her first lyric with tears in his eyes and gave her a standing ovation.
The first line of Mileyโs cover, โBill did it his way,โ concluded with her altered words. The songโs somber tone was abruptly interrupted by a barrage of electric guitars, and Miley exclaimed, โSo am I!โ In response, her pianist, who looked suspiciously like an unknown Matt Lucas, danced enthusiastically and added synths to Mileyโs rock arrangement.
This edgy performance, in which Miley wears a silver glitterball bodycon dress, is sure to shock those who have never seen her rock covers. Her three-year YouTube cover of Blondieโs โHeart Of Glassโ has racked up 180 million views, her collaboration with Metallica on โNothing Else Mattersโ has amassed 24 million views, and her rendition of Pink Floydโs โWish You Were Hereโ has more than 7.7 million views. โMy Wayโ has surpassed 3 million views on YouTube, continuing Mileyโs streak of rock cover versions that outshine the originals.
