Miley Cyrus Revealed What Sparked Her Decade-Long Friendship With Katy Perry

Miley Cyrus may currently be competing with Katy Perry’s “Bon Appetit” (which had fans spraying themselves in the face with water) for a top spot on the music charts for her (Liam Hemsworth-inspired) single “Malibu,” but there’s no “bad blood” between these two (sorry, Taylor Swift!). In fact, the two singers happen to be longtime friends, with Cyrus recently revealing what sparked their nearly decade-long relationship. Frankly, the reason the 24-year-old first developed a girl-crush on Perry is probably the same reason you did too.

Chatting with the hosts over at WKTU, Cyrus said that it all had to do with Perry’s first hit tune back in 2008, “I Kissed a Girl.” “When [Perry] came out with ‘I Kissed a Girl,’ I was doing the Hannah Montana movie, and I heard her on the radio,” Cyrus explained. But it wasn’t the awesome beats that had her giddy. According to the Last Song star, “They said, ‘Who did you write that about?’ She said me! … I heard it and I screamed, and started freaking out.” Despite the fact that both women have been admittedly open about being attracted to the opposite sex, with Cyrus coming out as pansexual and Perry revealing she’s done “a lot more than kiss a girl,” the 32-year-old didn’t mean it in the literal sense: The two had never even met. That is, if she ever meant to say Cyrus at all.

According to NME, during an interview with Steppin’ Out magazine that same year, Perry told an entire story about the song, saying, “‘I Kissed a Girl’ was inspired when I opened up a magazine and I saw a picture of Scarlett Johansson.” She continued, “I was with my boyfriend at the time, and I said to him, ‘I’m not going to lie: If Scarlett Johansson walked into the room and wanted to make out with me, I would make out with her.’” So, either Katy Perry was mixed up or there’s more than one gal behind the singer’s mega-hit.

Still, it wasn’t long afterwards that a 15-year-old Cyrus was asked by Perry to be her date to that year’s MTV VMAs (though mama Tish insisted on chaperoning the limo drive).

Cut to 10 years later, and the two are still bosom buddies, hanging out as recently as last weekend for Wango Tango. “We were actually just realizing the other day that next year, we’ll have been friends for 10 years. I think that’s my friend that I’ve known the longest. Which is really, really weird!” (Weird? Perhaps. But still wonderfully awesome.)

Whatever the real story is, it doesn’t change the fact that the song helped sparked one of Hollywood’s most enduring (and quirky AF!) friendships.

How did you first meet your oldest friend? Let us know @BritandCo!

(h/t Complex; photos via Larry Busacca/Getty)

WhileMiley Cyrus is known for her powerful voice — and recent Grammy win — her public relationships have been the talk of Hollywood, too. From her high-profile marriage (and divorce 😭) to Liam Hemsworth to her current relationship with Maxx Morando, Miley's experienced the highs and lows of being being 1/2 of a celebrity couple.

The one thing we continue to learn from celebrities — especially after looking at Miley Cyrus' dating history — is that they're just like us! From Nick Jonas to Maxx Morando, here are Miley's most memorable relationships.

Miley Cyrus' Full Dating History

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Nick Jonas

We revisited this short-lived fling while dissecting Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez's friendship, but it doesn't hurt to talk about it again! These two didn't really talk about their relationship when they first started dating, but Kevin Jonas spilled the beans about Nick's feelings when he first met Miley. He said, "When he met Miley, I think that kid's head exploded." He made this revelation during the brothers' documentary Chasing Happiness, where they also revealed a few of their songs were about the former Hannah Montana star.

In her book Miles To Go, Miley talked about how the two met at a benefit for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation charity and started spending more time together. The next year, Miley and the Jonas Brothers went on tour together (Best of Both Worlds), but that seemed to signal the end of her relationship with Nick.

Once they broke up, Miley talked about how she felt in great detail. "At first I bawled for a month straight. I was so sad. I just went into this weird funk," she said (via PEOPLE). What's ironic is that she admitted to "rebelling against" Nick's preferences. "...I've got to be by myself for now, and just figure out who I really am."

Michael Buckner/Getty Images for IMG

Justin Gaston

Miley's next boyfriend was Justin Gaston, a singer and model, who seemingly wore the same hairstyle as her dad Billy Ray Cyrus. Actually, the reason the two started dating is because of the "Achy Breaky Heart" singer! He must've taken a liking to Justin during Nashville Star because he introduced him to Miley, and the rest was history (via Glamour). "He actually reminds me a lot of myself when I was 20 years old and I was living and searching for the dream," he said. However, their relationship was short-lived because they called it off in 2009 (via NBC Washington).

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Liam Hemsworth

The next person Miley Cyrus was linked to was her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth. For a time, everyone believed these two were meant to be...until they weren't. The pair filmed The Last Song together and couldn't deny the strong chemistry between them — even if they were supposed to be "just acting." They started making public appearances together looking very much smitten with each other, confirming any relationship rumors swirling around.

It's no secret they broke up and got back together several times, but they eventually decided to get engaged in 2012 (via Cosmopolitan). However that was short-lived once they decided to call it off...only to get it together a few years later. Though the couple eventually got married, they got divorced before their one-year anniversary.

"What really sucked about it wasn't the fact that me and someone that I loved realized that we don't love each other the way that we used to anymore," she said during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Patrick Schwarzenegger

Once her marriage to Liam Hemsworth ended, Miley and Patrick Schwarzenegger were spotted getting close. However his mom Maria Shriver wasn't a fan of them dating (via The List). A source said that she was "very worried about the influence Miley's having on Patrick. She fully believes that you become who you surround yourself with and she's always been so happy with the friends Patrick chooses, she never saw this coming," (Hello! Magazine).

Luckily for this mama bear, Miley and Patrick's relationship didn't last long either. They broke up in 2015 because they were in "two different places in their lives," (via PEOPLE).

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Stella Maxwell

It seemed like Miley decided to explore her options after things ended with Patrick Schwarzenegger — she was then linked to Victoria Secret's model Stella Maxwell that same year. It was speculated the two were in a relationship after they were seen kissing (via PEOPLE). However, Miley shut those rumors down while she talked about her sexuality. She told Elle, "I'm 22, I'm going on dates, but I change my style every two weeks, let alone who I'm with" and admitted she identifies as "pansexual."

Jerod Harris/Getty Images

Kaitlynn Carter

In 2019, Miley was seen kissing Kaitlynn Carter (The Hills: New Beginnings) while on vacation in Italy (via PEOPLE). It didn't seem like things were serious because a source said the pair were "just having fun" — which sounds similar to the mindset Miley had while she was seen with Stella Maxwell. Miley's sister Brandi Cyrus joined them on vacation, according to Instagram.

Miley and Kaitlynn were seen on a date where a source said, "They live together and are very happy," (via PEOPLE). But this may have been too much for the "Flowers" singer because they went their separate ways after it was revealed they "spent every day together."

Ouch?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Cody Simpson

A younger Cody Simpson admitted to Fuse he had a crush on Miley Cyrus in 2012, and it was the cutest thing ever! They become best friends a few years later with Cody telling GQ Australia, "...she helps with some of that transitional stuff—trying to escape your childhood. She’s super open-minded, and I’m working on becoming more like that." Paparazzi snuck a photo of the two kissing in 2019, sparking dating rumors (via TMZ).

They did become boyfriend and girlfriend, but broke up in 2020 because Cody said they "were going in different directions," (via Billboard).

Francis Specker/CBS

Maxx Morando

Before long, Miley Cyrus and her current boyfriend Maxx Morando were seen getting cozy in 2021. Daily Mailsaw them cuddling in Miami while a source later told Entertainment Tonight, "They've been together for a little while and are just enjoying their relationship." They met for the first time during a "blind date" after Miley decided to open herself up to dating again. "I thought, ‘The worst that can happen is I leave.'" Ever since then, he couple have been enjoying their relationship and even enjoyed a recent date night (via Page Six).

We don't know about you, but we're rooting for Miley Cyrus and Maxx Morando to find happily ever after in each other!

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My best friends mean the world to me, and though I wish I could give them the world, this year, I just want to get them gifts that are as special as our friendship. Whether it’s a personalized pendant, a cute skincare set, or the lip shade they simply can’t stop talking about, I want them to know just how much I care about their companionship! Thus, I’ve curated the ultimate list of gifts for best friends to help you gift your besties something they’ll truly love, especially if it comes from you. These gifts are so good, I really want them for myself, too.

Our 40 favorite gifts for best friends:

Scroll on to see the absolute best gifts for best friends to give in 2024!

Amazon

1. Scent Beauty by Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby Eau de Parfum

Leave it to Sabrina Carpenter to influence my list of gifts for best friends. Her "Cherry Baby" scent carries sultry notes of vanilla, peony, cherries, and chocolate, which is the perfect aroma for a night out with the girls.

Summer Fridays

2. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

This lip balm is viral for a reason. Your besties' lips deserve all the instant moisture, color, and shine this tube provides. This brown sugar shade looks decadent AF, but you can also snag it in other fun 'flavors' like iced coffee and mint.

Urban Outfitters

3. Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera

For the one that's always documenting the friend group's antics, they'll enjoy taking this unique, screen-free digicam on nights out, weekend trips, and cozy nights in! It captures film-style photos (without the time-consuming film photography process), and it can be used over and over again since it's rechargeable.

SeaVees

4. SeaVees Hayward Platform Shoes

Moccasin-style shoes are super popular this winter. I love how comfortable SeaVees' shoes are, so I might just have to share the love with my besties this holiday season... and snag a pair for myself so we can match, of course!

Dieux

5. Dieux Angel Face Cleanser + Moisturizer Bundle

Dieux is one of my go-to skincare brands for effective products that still take it easy on my sensitive skin. Their Baptism cleanser, part of this giftable duo, provides a nice clean without stripping any moisture from my skin. I also use their Instant Angel moisturizer religiously in the wintertime since things tend to get real dry. I'd say you can confidently gift this set to besties of any skin type.

Anthropologie

6. By Anthropologie Monogram Heart Locket Necklace

Personalized gifts will always feel special. Kick this gift idea up a notch by inserting a little pic of you and your BFF in the locket before wrapping and handing it over!

Urban Outfitters

7. Baggu Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag

I carry this Baggu bag just about everywhere I go. It's perfect for happy hours or dinners since it's small and not too much of a hassle to tow along, but don't let its size fool you: this baby can fit a lot. Your most stylish best friend will be wearing it the moment they open their gift!

Target

8. Jingle & Mingle 5 Days of Rosé Wine Set

You can never go wrong with rosé, baby! This gift set carries 5 personal-sized bottles of different varieties for them to sip on around the holidays.

Kulfi Beauty

9. Kulfi Beauty All Night Out Eye Set

This eye makeup set is complete with a bold eyeliner shade and a shimmery pot of eyeshadow. You get to choose the exact shades of each before purchasing, so this is truly one of the most fun personalized gift ideas. The set also comes with a funky pair of mismatched hair clips – so cute!

Dame

10. Dame Massage Oil Candle

This soothing candle melts down into a sweet-smelling massage oil that's easily dispensable, thanks to the pointed spout on the glass. This is a great gift for your single and partnered pals alike, whether they're using it to wind down themselves or for sexy time with their S.O.!

Life is Good

11. Life is Good 'I Deserve A Little Treat' Boxy Crusher Tee

Everyone deserves a little treat. Wrap up this awesome (and comfy!) tee alongside your bestie's favorite snack, sweet treat, or freshly-baked dessert to totally nail their gift this year!

Compartés

12. Compartés Pistachio Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles

These aesthetically-pleasing truffles could be the perfect sweet treat in question!

Nordstrom

13. OSEA Super Glow Body Set

I know anyone in my close friends circle would be happy to be gifted some nice skincare goodies. This luxe set from OSEA comes with a body wash, oil, and serum to keep skin looking and feeling happy!

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I think we all remember tuning into our favorite Disney show, Hannah Montana, only to see the ever-iconic "Jolene" singer, Dolly Parton, show up to feature as a guest star. I remember feeling shocked, and wondering what the relation was — only to find out that Dolly was Miley Cyrus' real-life "honorary godmother"! And this relationship runs deep!

Throughout many interviews over the years, it's clear Miley and Dolly continue to share a lot of love, admiration, and respect between them given the way they talk about each other. TBH, we couldn't love them more! With that said, here's a breakdown of their heartwarming relationship — plus all their beautiful collaborations and sweet moments they've shared.

How did Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus meet?

Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images

As you may know, Miley's dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, is a popular country music artist. During his "Achy Breaky Heart" era — yes, it's stuck my head now, too — he connected with Dolly as they toured together. Dolly recounted more about this to the London Evening Standard last year when she said that “...of course, Miley became my goddaughter; I was her fairy godmother." She continued, "We really have a true bond; she is like a daughter or a sister to me.”

Are Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton related?

Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW

Dolly has claimed to be Miley's "honorary godmother." She told Howard Stern recently that she's known Miley since she was born, and even retold the story of how she came to be Miley's amazing godmother. She told Howard of Billy Ray, "And he said … ‘We’re having a girl, and you’ve got to be her godmother!’ And I said: ‘Well, I’d be honored.’" And while that was the inception of this beautiful relationship, Dolly elaborated that it was really what formed between she and Miley that made it so special. She said, "So actually, Miley and I took over from there. We just stayed very, very close through the years.”

And this week, Access Hollywood has actually revealed that the two are, indeed, related by blood after all! In the interview, Ancestry revealed that Dolly and Miley are actually seventh cousins once removed! It turns out their family member that they have in common was named John Brickey who lived in Virginia in 1740. Dolly was ecstatic over the news saying, "Is that true? That's amazing! Well, we're so close, Miley and I. I would've thought we would've been at least third cousins, 10 times removed." In regards to how Miley felt about the news? She said, "I’m sure she'll get a kick out of that, but it doesn’t surprise me because she does feel like family." We didn't think we could love these two anymore, but it turns out we can!

Have they collaborated on any projects?

Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Ever since the Hannah Montana days, these two have collaborated on projects and music! Dolly appeared on Miley's song, "Rainbowland,"and Miley returned the favor by appearing on Dolly's rendition of "Wrecking Ball" last year. The two have also covered each other's songs countless times over the years — not to mention the clear influence Dolly's music had on Miley's own songwriting in general.

In an interview with NPR, Miley discussed how Dolly helped her understand sexuality and personality in music. She says, "The best thing that she does is, she's not afraid to laugh at herself," she said. "And she pushed the boundaries for country music, by looking the way that she does, and saying the things that she says, and being sexual in that way. I mean, there's no one that's been able to make country music sexual more than Dolly!"

Our Favorite Miley and Dolly Moments

Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images

These sweet girlies have shared so many amazing moments, so keep scrolling to see their best collaborations, and all of our favorite times they've talked about each other over the years!

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton Singing on New Years Eve

One of my favorite, most recent, moments for this adorable duo is this stunning performance of "Wrecking Ball" and "I Will Always Love You." They combined their most popular songs into a stunning harmonious medley, while also showcasing their love and friendship for each other. This was a stunning and emotional moment for everyone tuning in to watch their New Years Eve special!

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton Singing "Jolene"

We all know and love this song, but I will certainly remember being introduced to "Jolene" with Miley's iconic cover when I was a kid. I love this rendition where the two pals get to sing it together, too. Their voices are so different, yet blend incredibly well together! This was yet another sweet moment for the books!

Miley Recreates Dolly Parton Classic With Jimmy Fallon

In this absolutely hilarious skit, we see Jimmy Fallon and Miley Cyrus re-create Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' classic hit, "Islands in the Stream." And Miley, busty and all, goes fully into the character. This was such a funny moment, and we love how the two are able to poke fun at each other in respectful, yet hilarious ways.

Miley Cyrus Says Dolly Only Contacts Her Via Fax

One of our favorite things about Dolly is her drastic aversion to technology. Miley told Seth Meyers about a hilarious instance she had with Dolly about this. She claimed that Dolly doesn't mind using a phone, but whenever she needs to talk to someone over text, she'll do a fax, and then someone who works for her will scan the fax, then the scan will go into a text, which then gets sent to Miley. Whew! We're exhausted just thinking about it!

Miley says that if Dolly wants to send a demo, then it's a similarly complicated process. She'll record a cassette, which gets recorded on a flip phone, which gets recorded on an iPhone voice memo, which then gets sent to Miley. We're glad Miley's finding the humor in Dolly's anti-technology quirks!

Miley Cyrus Covers Dolly Parton's Song "Light of a Clear Blue Morning"

Miley's voice may be different than Dolly's, but you can't dispute that her growly vibrato, and yodel-edque vocals were made for country. So when she covered this stunning Dolly song, she definitely killed it and delivered a beautiful cover. Don't mind us keeping this on repeat until further notice...

Dolly Parton Talks About Being Miley's Godmother

In this Wired interview, Dolly answered common questions that she gets about herself online, and one of the questions was about Miley. In regards to the question, "Is Dolly Parton Miley Cyrus' Godmother?" Dolly said, "Well everybody knows that. I would actually say I'm the fairy godmother of Miley Cyrus." We love how fun Dolly is, and we can tell how proud she is to be Miley's godmother!

Dolly Parton Covers Miley's "Wrecking Ball"

@dollyparton When I heard 'Wrecking Ball' I almost wept in my car. When it started into the chorus it hit me like a wrecking ball! I thought how great can a song be and how great can @Miley Cyrus ♬ Wrecking Ball - Dolly Parton

Dolly talked about how beautiful Miley Cyrus' song "Wrecking Ball is", and how much she needed to cover it, on her Tiktok account. Dolly talked about how much the song meant to her, and how much it meant to have Miley sing it with her on her rock album. She concluded with, "How great can a song be?" We definitely agree, Dolly!

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Header image via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Our favorite dancing queens (Meryl Streep included) might be returning to the big screen for a third encore of Mamma Mia! and we’re already rewatching the first two movie musicals in preparation.

In an interview with Deadline in May of 2023, Mamma Mia! franchise creator and producer Judy Craymer said a third movie musical is in "earliest stages." She also shared that she has come up with a way to bring Meryl Streep back again.

"I don't want to over-egg it," she said of the unofficial news, "but I know there's a trilogy there…and I do think Meryl should come back, and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna."

"Of course I want to do it," Streep said during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (via Deadline). Sounds promising to us!

Is Mamma Mia 3 happening?

Universal Pictures

Yes, Mamma Mia 3 is in its early planning stages! Christine Baranski just told The Hollywood Reporter that she's met with producer Judy Kramer, and that Kramer has plans for the third movie. "She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen," Baranski says. "That’s all I can say! But, it’s not like, 'Oh, I wish it could happen!' Judy Kramer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Kramer to get everybody back together."

Universal Pictures

A third installation was first mentioned way back in 2020, during a Collider interview with Mamma Mia! star Amanda Seyfried. Seyfried said she was on board — and at the time, she thought the rest of the star-studded cast would be too.

"Listen, every single person in that movie would say yes in a heartbeat because we want to hang out with each other," Seyfried told Collider at the time. "That's what we talked about last time, like did we ever think that we'd end up here again on an Island in Croatia?"

When will Mamma Mia 3 come out?

Universal Pictures

We don't have an official answer about when to expect this highly anticipated sequel. The project is in the "earliest stages," according to creator and producer, Judy Craymer. Cher also revealed to Entertainment Weekly that everyone is "talking about it," but she doesn't "know when they're going to do it."

Has casting information been shared about Mamma Mia 3?

Jonathan Prime/Universal Studios

While nothing's been made official, Amanda Seyfried just said something that made my heart skip a beat. She told ABC News she loves Sabrina Carpenter's music and dropped this admission: "If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I’ll make it happen."

But before she admitted that, the actress said something else that made me raise my eyebrows. "Everybody says it’s gonna happen, but I mean, I haven’t seen a script."

Cher is also eager to return to the beloved franchise and is rooting for Meryl to make an appearance again. "I keep saying, 'Meryl, you've got to come back,'" she said (via Entertainment Weekly). She also said she's told her, "'It'll be fun. You'll have a good time. You'll be able to sing.'"

I don't know what it'll take, but hope someone gets a script in Amanda Seyfried, Cher, and Meryl Streep's hands ASAP!

What is the first Mamma Mia about?

Universal Pictures

The first film follows Donna (Streep) and Sophie (Seyfried) as mother and daughter living on a remote Greek island. When Sophie is about to marry Sky (Dominic Cooper), she sets out to learn who her real father is after discovering it could be one of three men (played by Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, and Colin Firth).

Who does the second Mamma Mia follow?

Universal Pictures / NBCUniversal

Mamma Mia 2takes viewers back to 1979, where young Donna (Lily James) embarks on a series of adventures throughout Europe following her Oxford University graduation. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam – the latter whom she falls in love with. In the present day, pregnant Sophie dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother's old friends and boyfriends on a Greek island island.

TBH, we’re pretty happy that Mamma Mia! is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what the franchise has in store for us next. Stay updated on all the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

There's nothing ~normal~ about how much we love Normal People's Paul Mescal & Daisy Edgar-Jones. While it turns out we're not getting a Normal People season 2 (yet), the two actors are starring in some of 2024's biggest blockbusters (Twisters and Gladiator II, namely), and we've been soaking up their presences ever since.

Paul recently exhibited his ongoing friendship with Daisy at the Gladiator II premiere in Los Angeles. While he approached Brittany Broski on the red carpet for an interview, he recognized her from her recent 'Royal Court' interview with Daisy:

"You were with Daisy!" he chimed in excitingly. We just love this power duo!

Enda Bowe/Hulu

Daisy Edgar-Jones also revealed that she's remained incredibly close to Paul Mescal after their time on Hulu's Normal People. "Paul is one of my lifetime best friends," she says. "He’s an incredibly grounded person and I am too, I think, so it’s nice to be able to have those touchstones and those people you can laugh about it with and be lighthearted with. We met when I was 20 and Paul was 22; I’m so excited to see where we’ll be at 32, 42, and what life will bring us."

But the coolest thing is that not only is Normal People special for Paul and Daisy, but they've also been able to see the effect of the show on its fans.

"The thing I love people saying the most is, 'It made me contact my ex,'" Daisy continues. "Especially when much older people say, 'I just wanted to reach out to the person I was with when I was 17 just to say you were a big part of my history and thanks for being part of who I am, the tapestry of my life.' And that I really love, because I’m a massive romantic."

Daisy recently revealed they bonded over their training for Twisters and Gladiator II.

"I did running lessons — isn’t that crazy?" she told Variety. "Actually, Paul [Mescal] and I were laughing about it, because he was training for 'Gladiator II' and I was training for 'Twisters,' and obviously he had to be huge and I was like, 'Don’t worry, I’m going to be right up there with you.'"

Let us know your favorite Normal People moment in the comments and check out 5 Leading Ladies We'd Love To See In A Paul Mescal Rom-Com.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.