New Year’s Eve shows are typically staid affairs, featuring talent the entire family enjoy. While NBC’s Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party never crosses the line, it was easily the hippest place to be Saturday night.
Hosted by former The Voice coach and pop star Miley Cyrus and her Godmother Dolly Parton, the show featured a few guest stars that you won’t find on New Year’s Rockin Eve over on ABC.
For instance, did you have Miley Cyrus and Talking Heads member David Byrne singing duets on your 2022 bingo card? I bet you did not. Additionally CURRENT rock acts, FLETCHER and the hard rockers Liily also took the stage.
Sia, Paris Hilton, Latto, Rae Sremmurd, also performed.
Hosted by Miley and her Godmother Dolly Parton, the special aired live from Miami, Florida. Lorne Michaels of SNL fame produced. SNL cast members Chloe Fineman and Sarah Sherman also appeared.
Miley and Dolly epic duets
Miley and Dolly kicked off he show with a performance of “I Love Rock n’ Roll” It’s an appropriate choice as the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame.
Later, right before the ball drop, the pair joined forces on two of their biggest hits, “Wrecking Ball” and “I Will Always Love You.” They deliver performances that are both strong and tender.
A performance of Dolly’s classic “Jolene” and Patsy Cline’s epic “Walkin’ After Midnight” ended Miley and Dolly’s trio of duets, and the broadcast.
Miley Cyrus and David Byrne join forces
Here’s a thing I never expected. Miley and David Byrne performing on stage together. The former Talking Heads frontman recently ended his Broadway show, American Utopia which officially opened on Oct. 20, 2019, and closed on Feb. 16, 2020. It opened and closed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The movie version is streaming on HBO Max.
Miley and David perform a cover of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”
They also performed David’s “Everybody’s Coming to My House” from American Utopia.
Do skip the Sia/Byrne duet of “Unstoppable,” however. David and Sia meshed poorly. He sang off pitch during most of the song. His offbeat style is not melodic. The trick to duetting with him is to avoid harmonizing, with Miley avoids.
Sia and Miley help out pal Paris Hilton on “Stars Are Blind”
And here’s Miley, Sia and Paris Hilton singing Paris’ “Stars Are Blind.” Hate to say it but Paris needs the help. Miley did all the heavy lifting at the beginning, while Sia saved the day with a few adlibs. Paris cannot sing live.
Lorne Michaels knows how to produce a special. It’s a little surprising that he didn’t take over New Year’s Eve sooner. However, for those who can’t abide Miley, skip this one. It is HER special and she’s on stage A LOT. It’s available to watch now on Peacock streaming platform.
