Justin Timberlake has defended Miley Cyrus’ twerk-fest at Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards.
Cyrus’ medley of her single “We Can’t Stop” and eye-popping pax de deux with Robin Thicke on “Blurred Lines,” has inspired shock, outrage and 10.1 million ratings for Viacom and the backlash is still blowing.
But, Timberlake, the guest of honor at the VMA’s and recipient of the coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, thinks everyone should and calm down.
“Listen, man, you know, it’s the VMAs. What did you guys expect?” the 32-year-old told radio host Jim Douglas on Fresh 102.7’s “Jim & Kim” show on Tuesday. “I like Miley. I like her a lot. I think, you know, she’s young. She’s letting everybody know that she’s growing up.”
Timberlake said the VMAs were known for pushing the envelope, to the point where some sort of outrage moment is now expected.
“I just think it’s the VMAs,” he noted. “It’s not like she did it at the Grammys. Let her do her thing, you know.”
The “Suit & Tie” star then reeled off a other “scandalous” moments in the show’s past, including the infamous 2003 onstage kiss between his ex-girlfriend Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera (both Disney alums like Timberlake) and Madonna, adding:
“This is not an uncommon thing,” the Memphis native said . “I actually thought all the bears were really cool,” referring to Cyrus’ twerk with giant teddy bears (in fact a nod to her music video for “We Can’t Stop.”)
Timberlake’s own 15 minute medley of his past and present hits and ‘N Sync cameo thrilled on the night, but for this veteran star the best part of the Cryus debacle is the Barclays Center audience reaction shots.
“My favorite part of the Miley Cyrus performance is the Smith family reaction,” he joked, referring to a picture of actor Will Smith and children Willow and Jaden’s aghast reaction to a stage spot. It has since transpired that the trio were actually watching Lady Gaga’s performance, not Cyrus.’
While wider conversations on Miley continues to rage, Timberlake isn’t the only one defending the 20-year-old. Billy Ray Cyrus, country singer and father to the twerking mad star, has sprung to his daughter defense.
“Of course I’ll always be here for Miley”, Cyrus elder told Entertainment Tonight yesterday. “I can’t wait to see her when she gets home,” He added, “She’s still my little girl and I’m still her Dad regardless how this circus we call show business plays out. I love her unconditionally and that will never change.”
Do you agree with Justin and think the fuss about Miley is overblown?
[ Image via Billboard ]