Lainey Wilson and Miley Cyrus Share New Version of ‘Younger You’

When Miley Cyrus released “Younger You” as part of the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special last month, the melancholy song marked a full-circle moment commemorating the singer-actress’ career. Now, she is offering the same opportunity to country singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson with a new, duet version of the track.

Back in high school, Wilson cut her teeth as a performer impersonating Hannah Montana for birthday parties and events before she moved to Nashville and kickstarted her solo career. With lyrics like “Hey, you, it’s younger you / I’m just checking in to see if you still remember me,” the song especially hits hard for Wilson.

“If I go back and tell myself one thing it’d be… ‘Hey younger you, you’re gonna impersonate Hannah Montana all throughout high school, playing every birthday party, fair and festival between here and Louisiana and then one day…. you’re gonna have a song with the real Hannah Montana,’” Wilson wrote on Instagram. “If this ain’t a full circle moment, I don’t know what is,” she added.

On the track, Wilson’s twangy timbre perfectly complements Cyrus’ own raspy voice as the pair harmonize on the country-coded chorus. The new version will be available on a 7-inch vinyl single for, set for release July 24.

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 redefined herself in front of it over and over again,” the country star added.

In her acceptance speech, Cyrus referenced songs from her own catalog, old and new. “Younger me 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 really is the life,” she said.

Wilson’s new documentary, Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool, includes clips of the country star in her Hannah Montana days. It begins streaming on Netflix on April 22.