Miley Cyrus, Jill Scott rock the Roots Grammy party

NEW YORK: Miley Cyrus’ latest record embraces her pop-country side but the singer embraced the funk as one of the surprise performers at The Roots annual pre-Grammy jam showcase.

“Come on, you know this song,” Cyrus told the crowd Friday as she performed her old hit “Party in the U.S.A.” But it had a different feel as The Roots gave the song soulful update, arranging it with the melody of the Yarbrough & Peoples’ classic “Don’t Stop the Music.”

It was one of two songs Cyrus performed, which went until the early morning hours. Other performers included GoldLink, Joi, DRAM and Jill Scott, who wowed the crowd as she performed with The Roots on the hit “You Got Me” then launched into her own hit, “It’s Love,” with a go-go beat, interloping it with the hit “Da Butt.”

Grammy-nominee Ledisi also performed, and it was not her only one of the night. Earlier, she dazzled as she sang songs at an intimate dinner put on by Toyota that featured an eclectic guest list including #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, political commentator Angela Rye and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” actor Tituss Burgess.

The night also featured a performance from new artist Victory Boyd who, like Ledisi, earned a standing ovation.