Miley Cyrus Defends VMA Performance, Cites Madonna and Britney Spears [Video]

The world is still trying to wrap its head around Miley Cyrus’s MTV Video Music Awards performance. The coming-of-age extravaganza proved that Cyrus is still more of a child than an adult, a wild fun-loving child, and did little to help reinstate respect and integrity in her shifting career. She got the attention she desired, and now in response to the mass criticism, Cyrus finally speaks out for the first time since her VMA shindig with Robin Thicke.

She claims that her primary objective was to make some noise. And that she did, surpassing any expectations of how far the performance would resonate. She took a page from any prolific pop star’s book, but added a modern day twist that did nothing but pour salt in her own wounds.

“Madonna’s done it. Britney’s done it. Every VMA performance, that’s what you’re looking for; you’re wanting to make history,” Cyrus said. “What’s amazing is I think now, we’re three days later and people are still talking about it. They’re overthinking it. You’re thinking about it more than I thought about it when I did it. Like, I didn’t even think about it, ‘cause that’s just me.”

What Cyrus overlooked is that each performance should make history through raw talent and stage presence, not odd stage props and an overabundance of sexual gestures. What is commendable, however, is how she’s stayed true to herself throughout the onslaught of harsh scrutiny.

“I don’t pay attention to the negative because I’ve seen this play out so many times,” she said. “How many times have we seen this play out in pop music?” This also rings true, and the ante is upped with every passing generation. Cyrus is not the first, although perhaps the most abrasive, and she’s certainly not the last.

Watch her statement for yourself below.