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When Miley Cyrus released “Younger You” as part of the “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special” last month, the melancholic track was a full-circle moment that honored the singer and actress’ career. Now she’s giving country singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson the same opportunity with a new duet version of the track.
In high school, Wilson cut her teeth as a performer by impersonating Hannah Montana at children’s birthday parties and other events before moving to Nashville and launching her solo career. With lines like “Hey, you, it’s younger you / I’m just checking in to see if you still remember me,” the song hits Wilson particularly hard.
“If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would be, ‘Hey, younger me, you’re going to imitate Hannah Montana all through high school, perform at every kid’s birthday party, fair, and festival between here and Louisiana – and then one day, you’ll have a song together with the real Hannah Montana,'” Wilson wrote on Instagram. “If this isn’t a full circle moment, I don’t know what is,” she added.
Twang meets smokiness
On the track, Wilson’s twangy timbre ideally complements Cyrus’ gravelly voice as the two harmonize on the country-tinged chorus. The new version will be released as a 7-inch vinyl single and is scheduled for July 24th.
Last month, Wilson presented Cyrus with the Innovation Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, calling the pop star “one of my biggest inspirations.” “She didn’t just grow up in front of the world – she reinvented herself over and over again, all publicly,” the country star said.
In her acceptance speech, Cyrus referenced songs from her own catalog, both old and new. “My younger self is so honored to share this moment with you and I’m proud to stand here today and tell you how much you mean to me. This is really life,” she said.
Wilson’s documentary on Netflix
Wilson’s new documentary, “Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool,” features footage from her Hannah Montana days. It can be seen on Netflix from April 22nd.
