Why ‘Somebody Somewhere’ Star Bridget Everett Insisted Miley Cyrus’ ‘The Climb’ Be Sam’s Defining Anthem: It’s the Song ‘That Matters Most’

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In the first season of HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere,” the focus shifted towards Sam (played by Bridget Everett), a woman in her forties who was seeking purpose in her small-town home, Manhattan, Kansas.

In the debut episode of a realistic comedy-drama, Sam finds herself coaxed onto the karaoke stage by her friend Joel (played by Jeff Hiller). Against her preferences, she ends up captivating the audience as she powerfully sings “Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush. It turns out that music is her method of self-expression, despite her aversion to exposure.

In the final episode of the series, it’s a poignant moment when Sam takes the microphone to perform for her cherished companions, with Joel playing piano once more. As Everett explains to EbMaster, “Sam has come a long way, about a thousand miles from where she was in Season 1.” To an audience member, this progress may seem insignificant, but our goal with Sam was always to encourage her to keep growing. She usually tends to withdraw, but here she’s moving forward. This experience was also valuable for Bridget Everett, as she could learn from it too.

With confidence radiating from her and treating one fortunate companion to a dance, Sam passionately performs Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb,” a powerful song that mirrors the uplifting outlook on life Sam has earned through struggle and determination across three seasons.

In her cabaret performances, Everett would always end with a specific song, demonstrating her ability to finish strong. Director Lennon Parham preferred not to hinder her from doing this. With three cameras set up, they were prepared to record every second of action, including the unexpected moments like when Everett ascended a chair and spun the fan decorated with dollars suspended from the ceiling.

Parham explains that since Bridget is putting in an incredible effort, you don’t get many chances to take shots because you wouldn’t want to ask her to do it repeatedly. Essentially, it’s about allowing Bridget room to perform and trusting that everything else will be handled, so she can give her best.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’ve never crossed paths with the legendary Cyrus, nor can I confirm if he’s even caught a glimpse of our humble production. However, whoever managed to secure the rights for “The Climb,” our show’s song on an extremely tight budget, will forever hold a special place in my heart. I requested that tune, and it was one of the first ones returned at the price we could afford. It feels destined.

During the final season, one special song didn’t need clearance as Everett herself penned it. In Episode 2, the quiet character Brad (played by Tim Bagley) requested Sam’s aid to compose and sing a heartfelt surprise tune for his boyfriend Joel at a dinner gathering. Everett found the words by tapping into Bagley’s tales about his late partner, Bill.

As a movie reviewer, I’d rephrase it like this: “In our conversation, Tim shared a thousand reasons why he adores Bill. When I inquired about his feelings for me, he simply expressed it as the way he gazed at me. That profound and enchanting sentiment is what I wanted to encapsulate in my song.

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself deeply moved by the intimate filming on a compact set directed by Robert Cohen. The main character, Sam, truly shone, taking center stage like never before. However, it was Bagley’s performance that left everyone – both in front of and behind the camera – in tears. This scene is a testament to the essence of ‘Somebody Somewhere’, embodying top-tier talent, exceptional scriptwriting, and raw emotion in a small space that resonated powerfully with everyone it touched.

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2025-06-07 22:16