Miley Cyrus‘ raunchy Video Music Awards performance last month may have sparked an uproar of criticism, but at least Britney Spears was impressed.
The pop star defended Cyrus during a “Good Morning America” interview with Sam Champion on Tuesday, during which she announced a two-year residency performing at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, as well as her next album’s release date.
See video: Britney Spears Announces Album Release Date, Las Vegas Shows on ‘GMA’ from Middle of the Desert
“I think any time you do a performance that is that memorable, you’re going to have criticism,” Spears said. “I think she’s doing her thing. She’s being herself, so I give props to her.”
Spears joins a choir of supportive pop stars, including her ex-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, and Lady GaGa.
See photos: The Evolution of Miley Cyrus: From Clean and Chipper to Controversial Stripper
The 31-year-old singer is no stranger to stirring controversy on the VMA stage. In 2001 she wrapped a snake around her neck to perform the sexually-charged single, “I’m a Slave 4 U,” and then locked lips with Madonna in 2003. And that kiss is exactly what inspired Cyrus to take off the majority of her clothes, reach her tongue toward the sky, and twerk her butt directly into married singer Robin Thicke‘s crotch.
“We’ve got better in store for you guys, it’s going be even crazier than the kiss,” Cyrus told MTV days before her performance.
