How gossip helped push Miley Cyrus’ ‘Flowers’ to the top of the charts

For casual listeners, Miley Cyrus’ January hit single “Flowers” is an anthem celebrating self-love and independence, a sensual pop song with a feminist twist. But for superfans like Joshua Molina, “Flowers” is a series of clues regarding Ms. Cyrus’ divorce from Liam Hemsworth.

According to fans, in the Easter egg, the song flipped the rhythm and lyrics of Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” and held special meaning for Hemsworth and Cyrus. I’m here. However, while Mr. Maas sings “I should have bought you flowers,” Mr. Cyrus’ version counters, “I can buy myself flowers.” It was also released on Mr. Hemsworth’s birthday, January 13th.