II Most Wanted
by Beyoncé (featuring Miley Cyrus)

Album: Cowboy Carter (2024)
Charted: 9 6
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Buckle up, because "II Most Wanted" throws Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus together for a romantic road trip. These two powerhouses unleash a duet that's as sweet as peach cobbler and tough as a $10 steak.
  • The song itself is a love letter sung with cowboy boots firmly planted on the gas pedal. Beyoncé and Miley trade verses that paint a picture of young love that's all about living in the moment and chasing that feeling of a wide-open highway. There's a touch of wistfulness too, a bittersweet awareness that time keeps on ticking and nothing can slow it down.

    It's a deep-down yearning to escape the ordinary, to grab your sweetheart and just keep driving. Promises get tossed around like pebbles on a dusty road – promises to each other, promises to hold on tight, promises that whisper defiance against the inevitable fade of time.
  • Beyoncé and Cyrus' connection goes back to 2008 when they both were part of the charity supergroup Artists Stand Up To Cancer. Their song "Just Stand Up!" was the theme tune for the multi-network one hour Stand Up To Cancer telethon.
  • "II Most Wanted" slots in as track 16 on Beyoncé's eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter. It's the first taste of a two-song summer soirée, followed close behind by "Levii's Jeans," a flirty collaboration with Post Malone.
  • Beyoncé and Cyrus wrote "II Most Wanted" with Ryan Tedder and Michael Pollack. The two vocalists produced it with Pollack and Shawn Everett.

    OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder is a prolific songwriter and producer. His vast catalog of hits includes Adele's "Rumour Has It," Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love," Tate McRae's "Greedy" and Beyoncé's "Halo."

    New York songwriter Michael Pollock has co-penned several of Miley Cyrus' hits, including her Dua Lipa collaboration "Prisoner" and "Flowers."

    The rock producer Shawn Everett has also worked with Alabama Shakes, Kacey Musgraves, The Killers and The War On Drugs.
  • Additional production, acoustic guitar, and keyboards were provided by Killers producer Jonathan Rado, and Adam Granduciel of The War On Drugs plays the electric guitar. These additions, likely coordinated by Shawn Everett, add a touch of alternative rock flair to the overall sound.
  • Miley Cyrus originally penned "II Most Wanted" in late 2021/early 2022. Her longtime friendship with Beyoncé indirectly inspired their decision to team up on the song.

    "When Beyoncé reached out to me about music, I thought of it right away because it really encompasses our relationship," she told W Magazine. "I told her, 'We don't have to get ­country; we are country. We've been country.' Getting to write a song, not just sing, for Beyoncé was a dream come true."
  • "II Most Wanted" took the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the Grammy Awards in 2025. It was a big night for Beyoncé, who won Album Of The Year for Cowboy Carter.
  • Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus performed "II Most Wanted" together for the first time during Bey's June 19, 2025 Cowboy Carter tour stop at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France.

    Miley said standing beside Beyoncé and feeling her passion was more meaningful than any award. "It's not a trophy... it's a true win," she said.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.