The hit series Heated Rivalry is generating buzz for its potential second season, and the conversation now includes a major pop star. Miley Cyrus has openly said she wants to contribute an original song, and the show’s star, François Arnaud, has a hopeful but realistic take on the possibility.
The exchange happened over a busy awards weekend in early January 2026. Cyrus, who recently contributed music to Avatar: Fire & Ash, expressed her strong interest while at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The very next day, Arnaud was asked about her comments on the red carpet at the Critics Choice Awards.
How the Conversation Started
Miley Cyrus made her excitement clear during an interview at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Saturday, January 3. When a reporter from Variety asked her about the popular HBO Max show, Cyrus admitted she hadn’t seen it yet but was eager to watch.
“I have not watched yet, but this is on my to-do list now,” Cyrus said. “It’s all I’ve heard about — every conversation I’ve had today has started with, ‘You have to watch it.’”.
When asked if she would be interested in creating music for the show’s upcoming second season, her response was immediate and enthusiastic.
“Oh, I’m so in. Book me. Get me booked!” she said.
Cyrus has been open about wanting to do more work for film and television after her experience with the Avatar sequel.
François Arnaud’s Hopeful Response
The news of Cyrus’s interest was passed along to François Arnaud, who plays hockey star Scott Hunter on the show, the very next day at the Critics Choice Awards. His reaction mixed excitement with a touch of humor about the realities of television budgets.
Arnaud first joked about the financial side of hiring a global superstar.
“I think we might get a little bit bigger budget for Season 2, but I don’t know if we get Miley budget,” Arnaud said.
He then added a hopeful note, suggesting that if Cyrus became a fan of the show, she might be willing to work with them.
“I think if she sees the show, she might give us a discount,” he added.
What Fans Are Saying and Other Celebrity Reactions
The potential collaboration has sparked excitement among fans on social media. Many are sharing the articles and commenting that they would love to hear a Miley Cyrus song in the show. The idea of starting a fundraiser to help cover costs has even been suggested by some fans online.
Cyrus is not the only celebrity talking about Heated Rivalry. Singer Brandi Carlile recently told Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen that the show is all she can think about. At the Critics Choice Awards, filmmaker Eva Victor also praised the series, calling it “the most sexually interesting thing I have ever seen”.
What the Show Is About and Its Popularity
Heated Rivalry is a romantic drama series that premiered on HBO Max (and Crave in Canada) on November 28, 2025. The show quickly became a breakout hit. It follows the story of two professional hockey players, rivals on the ice, who begin a secret romantic relationship.
The first season consisted of six episodes and concluded in late December 2025. Its success was confirmed with an early renewal for a second season. The show has a notable history of boosting songs featured in its episodes. Tracks by artists like Wet Leg and Feist saw increased streaming after being used in the series.
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What Could Happen Next for Season 2
While the potential for a Miley Cyrus song is a fun topic, the cast is also thinking about the story. Arnaud shared some thoughts on what he hopes to explore for his character, Scott, and his boyfriend Kip, played by Robbie G.K., in the new season.
“I would want them to face the continuing challenges of someone uber-famous being with someone who didn’t choose that for his life at all and is forced into it,” Arnaud said.
He also joked about his co-star’s fitness, saying, “I think Kip, for the second season has to stop working out… Why does he have the best body out of all of us?”.
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