Backyard Sessions

Photo: Raph_PH / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

The Backyard Sessions were a series of intimate cover performances Miley Cyrus filmed in her own backyard in 2012, at a crossroads moment between her Disney past and her adult career.

Singing with a live band and minimal production, she covered classics including Melanie's "Look What They've Done to My Song" and Dolly Parton's "Jolene." The "Jolene" video went viral, silenced doubters about her voice, and began a tradition: Cyrus has returned to her godmother's signature song at career-defining moments ever since, most recently in tribute at the Hollywood Bowl in 2026.