Miley Cyrus at Glastonbury 2019: Setlist, Guests, and Highlights

Miley Cyrus’s Glastonbury 2019 performance remains one of the most memorable live shows of her career. On June 30, 2019, the American singer took the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm in Somerset, England, delivering an energetic set that blended pop, rock, country, and alternative music. Moreover, she surprised the crowd with special appearances from Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Mark Ronson.

The performance arrived at an important moment in Cyrus’s musical journey. She had already established herself as a pop superstar, but she kept challenging expectations by experimenting with different genres and embracing a more rock-inspired sound. As a result, her Glastonbury set showcased both her musical versatility and her confidence as a live performer.

From powerful covers of classic rock songs to nostalgic pop hits, Cyrus gave the audience plenty to remember. Meanwhile, her performance of “Old Town Road” with Lil Nas X and her father became one of the festival’s defining moments.

In this article, we explore Miley Cyrus’s Glastonbury 2019 performance, including its complete setlist, surprise guests, standout songs, and why the show remains significant to her career.

When Did Miley Cyrus Perform at Glastonbury 2019?

Miley Cyrus performed at Glastonbury Festival on Sunday, June 30, 2019. According to the festival’s official lineup, she appeared on the iconic Pyramid Stage from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Although she did not headline the festival, she delivered one of the weekend’s most talked-about sets. The performance followed Kylie Minogue’s popular afternoon appearance and preceded Vampire Weekend’s evening show on the Pyramid Stage.

Why Her Glastonbury Appearance Was Important

Glastonbury is one of the United Kingdom’s most prominent music festivals. Its audience spans generations and musical tastes, making it an important stage for artists who want to demonstrate their versatility.

For Cyrus, the appearance offered an opportunity to show that her musical identity extended beyond mainstream pop. She performed songs from different stages of her career and paid tribute to artists who had influenced her sound.

Furthermore, she used the festival to introduce audiences to a heavier, guitar-driven performance style. Rather than relying entirely on familiar pop arrangements, she brought classic rock influences into the set.

As a result, critics praised her confidence, vocal ability, and willingness to experiment.

Miley Cyrus Glastonbury 2019 Setlist

One of the most exciting aspects of Cyrus’s performance was its variety. The set included original songs, collaborations, and covers of well-known tracks from different musical eras.

Here is the reported setlist from her June 30 performance:

1. “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” — with Mark Ronson
2. “Back to Black” — Amy Winehouse cover, with Mark Ronson
3. “Mother’s Daughter”
4. “Black Dog” — Led Zeppelin cover
5. “Unholy”
6. “Nothing Else Matters” — Metallica cover
7. “D.R.E.A.M.”
8. “Cattitude”
9. “We Can’t Stop”
10. “The Most”
11. “Party Up the Street”
12. “Malibu” — Gigamesh remix
13. “Jolene” — Dolly Parton cover
14. “Party in the U.S.A.”
15. “Old Town Road” — with Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus
16. “Panini” — Lil Nas X cover, with Lil Nas X
17. “On a Roll” — performed as Ashley O
18. “Head Like a Hole” — Nine Inch Nails cover
19. “Wrecking Ball”

The setlist illustrates how Cyrus balanced her own catalog with music from other artists. It also moved between contrasting moods, from the emotional intensity of “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” to the rebellious energy of “Black Dog” and “Nothing Else Matters.”

That variety helped make the performance feel like a statement about her musical identity rather than a standard greatest-hits show.

Mark Ronson Joins Miley Cyrus on Stage

Cyrus opened her performance with “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart,” her collaboration with British producer and musician Mark Ronson. Ronson joined her on stage, adding live instrumentation to the song’s distinctive blend of pop, country, and rock influences.

The track had already gained recognition for its dramatic production and emotionally charged vocals. As a result, it provided a strong opening for a festival set that would move across several musical styles.

“Nothing Breaks Like a Heart”

The song combines a pulsing rhythm with lyrics about emotional damage and a troubled relationship. Cyrus’s expressive voice gives the track much of its intensity, while Ronson’s production creates a cinematic atmosphere.

At Glastonbury, the live performance established the mood for what followed. Rather than starting with a lighthearted pop anthem, Cyrus chose a song that highlighted her vocal control and emotional delivery.

The collaboration also introduced the audience to the rock-oriented direction that would shape much of the set.

“Back to Black” Pays Tribute to Amy Winehouse

Cyrus and Ronson followed the opening song with a performance of Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black.” Ronson produced Winehouse’s celebrated 2006 album of the same name, so his presence added a meaningful connection to the song.

Cyrus approached the cover with a powerful vocal delivery that emphasized the track’s dark, soulful character. Meanwhile, the live arrangement allowed her to explore a different side of her voice.

The choice also demonstrated her respect for influential artists outside her own generation. Instead of treating the cover as a brief novelty, she gave the song a prominent place in the performance.

Consequently, the opening sequence established an important theme: Cyrus could honor musical influences while still bringing her own personality to the material.

Miley Cyrus Embraces Classic Rock at Glastonbury

Cyrus’s Glastonbury set became particularly distinctive when she turned toward classic rock. Although audiences knew her for pop hits and country influences, she demonstrated a convincing connection to heavier guitar music.

Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog”

Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” brought a tougher, more aggressive sound to the Pyramid Stage. The song’s memorable guitar riff and rhythmic shifts gave Cyrus a chance to show her rock instincts.

Her raspy vocal tone suited the material, while the band performed a forceful live arrangement. As a result, the cover helped shift the show from its country-pop opening toward a more rebellious musical direction.

The performance also challenged the assumption that Cyrus’s vocal style belonged exclusively to pop music.

Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”

Cyrus also covered Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters,” one of the band’s best-known songs. Unlike the more aggressive energy of “Black Dog,” this track relies on emotional lyrics, a memorable melody, and a gradual musical build.

Her interpretation emphasized the song’s dramatic qualities. Moreover, the choice highlighted her ability to handle music that requires both emotional restraint and vocal power.

The cover was especially interesting because it connected her performance to a broader rock tradition. Rather than simply borrowing the genre’s visual style, Cyrus chose songs that demanded a different approach to phrasing and expression.

Nine Inch Nails and “Head Like a Hole”

Later in the set, Cyrus performed Nine Inch Nails’ “Head Like a Hole.” The song also connected to her work as Ashley O, the fictional pop star she portrayed in the television series Black Mirror.

That connection created a clever moment in the performance. Cyrus briefly stepped away from her main stage persona and revisited a character associated with an exaggerated version of manufactured pop stardom.

However, the transition also revealed the musical relationship between seemingly different genres. Ashley O’s “On a Roll” draws on the musical framework of “Head Like a Hole,” transforming the darker industrial-rock song into a bright pop track.

By performing both, Cyrus highlighted that contrast in a memorable way.

“Old Town Road”: Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus Surprise the Crowd

The performance of “Old Town Road” became one of the biggest highlights of Miley Cyrus’s Glastonbury 2019 set. Lil Nas X joined her on stage, and her father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, also appeared for the collaboration.

The moment brought together three artists tied to a song that became a major cultural phenomenon in 2019.

Why “Old Town Road” Was Such a Big Deal

Lil Nas X originally released “Old Town Road” as a genre-blending track that combined country imagery with hip-hop production. The song gained huge online popularity and became a major commercial hit.

Billy Ray Cyrus later joined the remix, adding his country credentials and helping the song reach an even wider audience.

The collaboration challenged traditional boundaries between country and rap. Therefore, bringing the song to Glastonbury made sense for a festival performance that already celebrated musical experimentation.

Miley, Lil Nas X, and Billy Ray Cyrus Together

The three performers created a memorable family-and-friends moment on stage. Billy Ray’s appearance connected the song to his own country background, while Lil Nas X brought the energy and style that had helped make the track a worldwide sensation.

Meanwhile, Miley’s involvement made the performance feel personal and celebratory.

The collaboration also reflected her musical upbringing. Although she had developed a distinctive pop identity, she grew up around country music through her father and her godmother, Dolly Parton.

As a result, “Old Town Road” became a natural meeting point for several influences in her life.

“Panini” Adds Another Lil Nas X Moment

Lil Nas X also performed “Panini” during the set. The additional appearance extended the surprise beyond a single collaboration and gave the crowd another opportunity to celebrate one of 2019’s breakout artists.

Together, the performances helped make Cyrus’s Glastonbury appearance feel like an event rather than simply another festival booking.

Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and Miley’s Country Roots

Another major highlight came when Cyrus performed “Jolene,” the classic country song by Dolly Parton.

Parton holds a special place in Cyrus’s life because she is her godmother. However, their connection goes beyond family ties. Parton’s musical influence also helps explain Cyrus’s interest in country music and her willingness to move between genres.

A Personal Connection to the Song

“Jolene” tells the story of a woman pleading with another woman not to take her partner. Its simple narrative and memorable melody have made it one of country music’s most recognizable songs.

Cyrus has performed the track many times, often bringing a distinctive vocal style to the material. At Glastonbury, it offered a moment of familiarity amid the heavier rock covers and contemporary pop collaborations.

Moreover, the song connected her present-day performance to the musical traditions that shaped her early life.

How “Jolene” Fit Into the Set

The song helped balance the performance’s contrasting styles. After exploring rock and alternative music, Cyrus returned to a country classic that many audience members already knew.

That shift demonstrated her range without making the set feel disconnected. Her voice remained the central element, linking the different songs and genres.

Ultimately, “Jolene” reminded audiences that Cyrus didn’t need to abandon her musical roots to explore new sounds.

Miley Cyrus Performs Her Biggest Pop Hits

Although the classic rock covers attracted considerable attention, Cyrus also included several of her most recognizable original songs.

These tracks helped connect her different career eras and gave the crowd opportunities to sing along.

“We Can’t Stop”

“We Can’t Stop” represented the provocative pop era associated with her 2013 album Bangerz. The song marked a major shift from the image audiences had associated with her earlier Disney Channel career.

Its inclusion at Glastonbury highlighted her willingness to revisit a controversial period without allowing it to define her entire identity.

The song’s rebellious tone also complemented the performance’s rock-oriented direction.

“Party in the U.S.A.”

Cyrus also performed “Party in the U.S.A.,” one of her most recognizable pop hits. Released in 2009, the song became an enduring part of her catalog and remains closely tied to her early solo career.

Its upbeat rhythm and familiar chorus created a different atmosphere from the heavier covers. As a result, it offered a moment of nostalgia while reinforcing her ability to command a large festival audience.

“Wrecking Ball” Closes the Performance

Cyrus finished the set with “Wrecking Ball,” her emotionally intense 2013 hit.

The song features a dramatic vocal performance and lyrics about heartbreak, making it a natural choice for a powerful finale. Moreover, its familiar melody gave the audience a strong closing moment after the show’s many stylistic changes.

Ending with one of her biggest hits brought the performance back to her own catalog. After spending much of the set exploring other artists’ music, Cyrus closed by reminding the crowd why her own songs had made her a global star.

Ashley O: The Unexpected Black Mirror Connection

One of the more unusual moments involved Ashley O, Cyrus’s fictional pop-star character from Black Mirror.

In the 2019 episode “Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too,” Cyrus played a singer whose public image and music career are controlled by the people around her. The character’s polished pop songs contrast sharply with the darker music that inspires them.

Performing “On a Roll”

At Glastonbury, Cyrus performed “On a Roll,” Ashley O’s upbeat pop song. She used a costume and styling that recalled the fictional character, creating a brief transformation within the larger set.

The moment stood out because it introduced a television role into a live musical performance. It also showed Cyrus’s ability to move between acting and music without losing the audience’s attention.

Connecting “On a Roll” With “Head Like a Hole”

The transition from “On a Roll” to “Head Like a Hole” made the connection especially clear. The two songs illustrate how production and presentation can reshape a musical idea for a different audience.

While “On a Roll” adopts a bright, accessible pop style, “Head Like a Hole” carries a darker industrial-rock sound.

By performing both songs in succession, Cyrus turned the contrast into part of the show’s storytelling. As a result, the Ashley O segment felt like a deliberate musical statement rather than an unrelated novelty.

How Critics Reacted to Miley Cyrus at Glastonbury 2019

Music critics largely praised Cyrus’s performance for its ambition, energy, and musical variety. Reviews highlighted her strong vocals, the classic rock covers, and the unexpected collaborations.

NME described the set as a reinvention of Cyrus as a rock star. The Independent also praised her charisma and musical range, while the Evening Standard highlighted the way she brought cohesion to a set that moved between pop, country, and rock.

A Performance That Challenged Expectations

Cyrus had experienced several highly visible changes in musical style throughout her career. She had explored country music, pop, hip-hop influences, and experimental projects, often attracting debate about which direction suited her best.

At Glastonbury, however, these different influences worked together. The set did not require her to choose one genre and abandon the others.

Instead, she used the festival to show how her musical interests could coexist. Her voice, stage presence, and confidence connected the songs, creating a unified performance despite its variety.

Why the Rock Covers Made an Impression

The Led Zeppelin, Metallica, and Nine Inch Nails covers challenged assumptions about Cyrus’s musical abilities. These songs required a different vocal approach from the polished pop material that first made her famous.

Moreover, the covers presented a distinctive identity. Many festival artists rely heavily on their best-known songs, but Cyrus used familiar material from other artists to reveal another side of her talent.

That willingness to take risks helped the show stand out among the weekend’s many performances.

Why Miley Cyrus’s Glastonbury 2019 Performance Still Matters

Cyrus’s Glastonbury set remains an important moment in her career because it brought together several aspects of her musical identity.

First, it demonstrated her vocal versatility. She moved from pop anthems to soulful covers and heavier rock songs without relying on a single musical formula.

Second, the performance highlighted her connections to other artists. Mark Ronson, Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Dolly Parton all represented different parts of her musical world.

Third, the show challenged the idea that artists must remain within the genre that first made them successful. Cyrus used the festival to embrace her influences and explore new directions.

Finally, the set captured her confidence as a performer. She approached the Pyramid Stage with the energy of an artist willing to take risks, even when those risks involved stepping outside audience expectations.

Final Thoughts

Miley Cyrus’s Glastonbury 2019 performance combined pop nostalgia, classic rock, country heritage, and unexpected collaborations into a memorable festival set. From “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” with Mark Ronson to “Old Town Road” with Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus, the show delivered moments that appealed to different generations of music fans.

Meanwhile, covers of “Back to Black,” “Black Dog,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “Jolene,” and “Head Like a Hole” revealed the breadth of Cyrus’s musical influences. Her performances of “Party in the U.S.A.,” “We Can’t Stop,” and “Wrecking Ball” also reminded audiences of the hits that had shaped her own career.

Ultimately, Glastonbury 2019 showcased Miley Cyrus as more than a pop star. She showed she could honor her musical roots, reinterpret classic songs, collaborate with unexpected guests, and embrace a rock-inspired sound—all while maintaining her distinctive identity.