Miley Cyrus Reveals She Recorded Hit Single 'Party in the USA' the Same Week Michael Jackson Died

Published: June 9, 2025

Miley Cyrus has opened up about the unique circumstances surrounding the recording of her hit single 'Party in the USA' in 2009. In an episode of Spotify's Every Single Album podcast, Cyrus shared that she recorded the song the same week Michael Jackson passed away.

Cyrus was working on her EP, The Time of Our Lives, while filming the movie The Last Song in the summer of 2009. She recalls the atmosphere being somber due to the country's mourning of the King of Pop's sudden death.

"I was cutting 'Party in the USA' because it was the week that Michael Jackson had died," she said. "So the whole energy was like... It was a weird feeling everywhere. It was the weirdest day."

Cyrus also joked about the irony of the song's lyrics, saying, "Everyone's so mad at America all the time, but then again, they're like, 'Run it.'"

The singer was also filming The Last Song, which starred her then-boyfriend Liam Hemsworth, alongside her. She remembered wanting to spend time with him on the weekends but instead had to work on the song with Dr. Luke and Jessie J.

Miley Cyrus in 2009 (left), Michael Jackson in early 2009

Cyrus admitted that she was "dragging her feet" while working on the song, which was a vocal challenge for her at the time. She even revealed that she did it for a reward - a trip to Sonic drive-in.

The song became one of her biggest hits, but Cyrus still finds it challenging to perform live. "I'm glad that I did it, obviously. I love it because of the life that it gives. It was really hard to sing. It's the hardest song to sing in my entire set," she said.

During the podcast, the hosts teased Cyrus about the song's infamous Jay-Z mention, which she defended by saying she added Britney Spears' name to the lyrics.

Read more about Miley Cyrus' evolution from 'Hannah Montana' to a Grammy winner: The Evolution of Miley Cyrus.

Also, check out Aaron Rodgers sparks marriage rumors with ring in Steelers contract photo and Wyclef Jean recalls giving Whitney Houston feedback during recording session.

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Miley Cyrus performing during a fall 2009 tour

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