'I Am Flattered': French Singer Amanda Lear Accuses Miley Cyrus of Copying 'The Sphinx' on 'REDLIGHTS'

French singer Amanda Lear has accused Miley Cyrus of copying her 1978 song 'The Sphinx' on 'REDLIGHTS'. Lear claims the two tracks share the same melody and rhythm, raising the possibility of discussions between the record companies involved.

The allegation, made on social media and later in interviews, has drawn attention to Cyrus' latest album release, Bass Persuades. Lear's remarks have prompted comparisons between the two songs and speculation about whether the matter could be resolved through credit or legal action.

Lear's Social Media Claim

Lear first addressed the alleged similarity on Instagram, writing: 'Thank You Miley for copying my song The Sphinx, I am flattered.' The post was accompanied by hashtags including 'ripoff' and 'copycat'.

The accusation centres on 'REDLIGHTS', the sixth track on Cyrus' 10th studio album, Bass Persuades, which was released on Friday, 18 September.

Lear said she was alerted to the song by fans who contacted her after noticing similarities with 'The Sphinx.' The 1978 track was released during Lear's disco era and is associated with her album Never Trust a Pretty Face.

Lear told the French publication, Le Parisien, that she contacted her producer and record company after hearing 'REDLIGHTS'. She said her producer and record company considered it a 'total plagiarism' after analysing the two tracks.

'And indeed, it's the same melody, the same rhythm. She changed the lyrics, obviously, but it's undeniable that it's very inspired,' Lear said.

Lear Suggests Credit or an Arrangement

Despite the accusation, Lear said she likes Cyrus and suggested that the matter could potentially be resolved without a court case.

Lear said Universal, which she described as the owner of the rights to 'The Sphinx', would contact Cyrus' record company to discuss the matter. She outlined two possible outcomes: an agreement or legal action.

'Either we reach an arrangement, or there is a trial that could last a long time, American-style,' Lear said.

She also suggested a less confrontational solution, saying Cyrus could simply credit her and acknowledge that the song was inspired by Amanda Lear.

Lear said 'The Sphinx' was particularly important to her, describing it as her favourite song. She recalled the period when she made it as one of the happiest and most successful stages of her career.

What Is Miley Cyrus' 'REDLIGHTS'?

'REDLIGHTS' appears on Bass Persuades, Cyrus' 10th studio album, released on 18 September through Atlantic Records. The album includes songs such as 'Different Religion', 'Let's Get Married', 'Orbit', 'Aftermath' and 'Neon Signs'.

The album marks Cyrus' latest musical era following Something Beautiful, released in 2025. Credits for 'REDLIGHTS' list Miley Cyrus and Michael Pollack as composers and lyricists, with Cyrus, Kid Harpoon and Maxx Morando among the producers.

Miley Cyrus Has Not Responded

Cyrus had not publicly responded to Lear's accusation, and no court action had been announced as of Monday, 21 September. The allegation remains a claim by Lear rather than an established finding of plagiarism.

The controversy has nevertheless drawn attention to the similarities between 'REDLIGHTS' and 'The Sphinx', with listeners comparing the two recordings online.

Lear's comments also leave open the possibility of a negotiated credit or other agreement before any legal proceedings take place. For now, no court has established that 'REDLIGHTS' infringes 'The Sphinx.'