Justin Timberlake defends Miley Cyrus: 'It's not like she did it at the Grammys'

Miley Cyrus' transition from teen princess to twerk enthusiast unnerved many viewers of the MTV Video Music Awards Sunday night, but she's still got Justin Timberlake's support.

In a Tuesday interview with New York's Hot 97, the winner of the VMA's Vanguard Award said Cyrus' detractors needed to consider the performance in context. While her booty-shaking and suggestive hand gestures might not go down at the Grammys, they're made for an awards show that loves to push people's buttons.

“Listen, man, you know, it’s the VMAs. What did you guys expect?,” Timberlake said.

I like Miley. I like her a lot. I think, you know, she’s young. She’s letting everyone know that she’s growing up. I just think it’s the VMAs. It’s not like she did it at the Grammys. Let her do her thing. You know?

The 32-year-old "20/20" singer even compared Cyrus to his ex-girlfriend, Britney Spears.

“Madonna: Wedding suit, humping the stage. Britney: Strip tease,” he said. “This is not an uncommon thing. I actually thought all the bears were really cool!”