This Video Of Miley Cyrus Covering Paul Simon Is Unbelievable

Cyrus covers “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” for SNL 40.

February 16, 2015

What if I told you that Kanye West appeared on a heavily publicized network TV special and he wasn't responsible for the most outrageous thing that happened? Would you even believe me? Well, you better believe it, baby: even though West gave an impassioned performance of "Jesus Walks," "Only One," and his latest single "Wolves" with Vic Mensa and Sia for last night's Saturday Night Live 40th anniversary extravaganza, the musical show-stealing moment arguably belonged to none other than Miley Cyrus, who took the stage to cover Paul Simon's deathlessly clever "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover."

There are a lot of elements of this performance to soak in and truly enjoy—the fact that Arcade Fire's Win Butler introduced her, Fred Armisen accompanying her country-tinged performance on tambourine, the notion that Paul Simon himself was in the building to witness Cyrus covering his song, Miley's rose-emblazoned nudie suit—but the most surprising thing about this performance is that it kinda worked! Miley's become known (in ways positive and negative) for embodying the human equivalent of a tongue-sticking-out emoji, so her restraint while performing this Calexico-meets-Nashville cover of Simon's classic tune is commendable. Watch it above.

This Video Of Miley Cyrus Covering Paul Simon Is Unbelievable