Is Miley Cyrus Throwing Shade at Dua Lipa in ‘Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved’?

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Miley Cyrus has finally released her latest album, Something Beautiful, on May 30. The record marks a new chapter in her artistic journey, showcasing a more vulnerable, introspective side while blending pop-rock influences with soulful ballads. And yes, the album is already generating a lot of buzz

One of Cyrus’s latest singles, «Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved,» has sparked speculation among fans and critics alike. A particular verse in the song has drawn attention for its perceived similarities to Dua Lipa’s 2023 hit «Dance the Night,» leading some to wonder if Cyrus is subtly referencing—or even critiquing—her former collaborator.

The Controversial Verse

«Every Girl You Ever Loved» is a bold, theatrical anthem that explores identity, desire, and the frustration of being idealized yet emotionally overlooked. Through a mix of sensual imagery and biting vulnerability, Miley presents herself as a multifaceted woman—equal parts fantasy and reality—asking why she’s not seen as worthy of real love.

The lyrics oscillate between confidence (“I’m every girl you’ve ever loved”) and emotional plea (“Why’re you still holdin’ onto your heart?”), as she questions the superficiality of romantic attention. With Naomi Campbell’s spoken-word interludes adding a high-fashion, almost satirical flair, the track becomes a commentary on perfection, performance, and the pressure to embody every version of the “ideal woman” that lives in someone else’s memory.

In the song, Cyrus sings: «She never wears a watch, still she’s never late / She’s got that kind of grace / Did Botticelli paint her face? / She has the perfect scent / She speaks the perfect French / She can dance the night away / And still she’ll never break a sweat«, Miley sings here.

The line «She can dance the night away» closely mirrors the title and chorus of Dua Lipa’s «Dance the Night,» which features the lyrics: «Watch me dance, dance the night away / My heart could be burning but you won’t see it on my face.» The resemblance has led to theories that Cyrus might be alluding to Lipa, especially considering their shared history.

“It was important for my first feature to be with a female artist. I’ve never talked about another artist so much because all the fans keep begging for the song.” — Miley Cyrus talking about her collaboration with Dua Lipa! pic.twitter.com/bsEeoXmKsD

— Dua Lipa News (@dlipanews) October 25, 2020

The verse in question paints a picture of an almost unattainable woman—graceful, punctual without effort, classically beautiful, and effortlessly multilingual. The line «She can dance the night away and still she’ll never break a sweat» could be interpreted as a nod to Lipa’s «Dance the Night,» possibly suggesting a critique of a polished exterior that conceals deeper emotions.

Alternatively, the lyrics might be a general commentary on the idealization of women, using familiar phrases and imagery to convey a broader message.

While the similarities between Cyrus’s lyrics and Lipa’s song are notable, there’s no concrete evidence to confirm that «Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved» is a direct critique of Dua Lipa. Without explicit statements from Cyrus, interpretations remain speculative. Nonetheless, the lyrical parallels and the artists’ shared history provide fertile ground for discussion and analysis.

A Complicated History

Cyrus and Lipa collaborated on the 2020 track «Prisoner,» a song that blended their distinct styles and garnered significant attention. However, the collaboration wasn’t without controversy. Shortly after the release of «Prisoner,» both artists faced accusations of plagiarism from the London-based punk band Dream Wife. The band claimed that the music video for «Prisoner» bore striking similarities to their own video for «So When You Gonna…,» particularly in its aesthetic choices and specific shots.

While neither Cyrus nor Lipa publicly addressed the allegations, the incident may have introduced tension into their professional relationship.