Who Is Amanda Lear? French Singer Accuses Miley Cyrus of Copying 1978 Hit 'The Sphinx' on 'REDLIGHTS'

French Singer Amanda Lear is back in the spotlight after accusing Miley Cyrus of copying her 1978 song 'The Sphinx' on 'REDLIGHTS', a track from Cyrus' new album Bass Persuades.

The allegation has put renewed attention on Lear, whose career has stretched from modelling and music to television, acting and painting.

Who Is Amanda Lear?

Lear is a French singer, songwriter, actress, television presenter, painter and former model who first made her name in the fashion world.

According to her official biography, she began modelling at 18, working with Mary Quant and Ossie Clark before modelling for Paco Rabanne. Rabanne introduced her to Salvador Dalí, and Lear says their friendship lasted more than 15 years.

Her music links followed. Bryan Ferry selected Lear for the cover of Roxy Music's 1973 album For Your Pleasure, and she became acquainted with musicians including Freddie Mercury, Elton John and David Bowie. Her official biography says Bowie encouraged her to pursue singing before she signed with Ariola in Germany.

Amanda Lear's Disco Career

Lear's music career took off with her 1977 album I Am a Photograph, which included 'Blood and Honey' and 'Queen of Chinatown'. Her 1978 album Sweet Revenge featured 'Follow Me', which became one of her signature songs.

'The Sphinx' was released as a single in 1978 and later appeared on her third studio album, Never Trust a Pretty Face. Written by Lear and Anthony Monn and produced by Monn, the track is now at the centre of her dispute with Cyrus.

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.

Lear's official biography says she achieved hit singles in more than 50 countries during her disco years and earned gold records across Europe.

She later expanded into Italian television, hosting Premiatissima from 1982, while continuing to work in music, theatre and painting. Her 23rd album, Looking Back, was released in November 2025.

Why Is Amanda Lear Accusing Miley Cyrus?

The dispute began after fans alerted Lear to similarities between 'The Sphinx' and Cyrus' 'REDLIGHTS'. Lear then posted on Instagram: 'Thank You Miley for copying my song The Sphinx, I am flattered', alongside hashtags including 'ripoff' and 'copycat'.

Lear said she contacted her producer and record company, which she said considered the similarity to be 'total plagiarism.'

She said the songs had the 'same melody, the same rhythm', although Cyrus' version was faster. Lear also said she likes Cyrus and suggested the issue could potentially be resolved through an agreement.

Lear told the publication that her record company, Universal, which she said owns the rights to 'The Sphinx', could contact Cyrus' record company.

She said the alternatives were an arrangement or legal action, adding that Cyrus could also credit her and acknowledge the song as an inspiration.

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

'REDLIGHTS' appears on Bass Persuades, which was released on 18 September 2026. Cyrus has not publicly responded to Lear's allegation as of the latest reports. No court has established that 'REDLIGHTS' infringes 'The Sphinx', so the copying claim remains an allegation.