Miley Cyrus' father has brushed off the controversy surrounding the teen sensation's pole dancing exploits at the recent Teen Choice Awards, insisting the pop star is simply trying to entertain.

Cyrus' provocative performance prompted family values groups to criticize the 16 year old for bringing strip club dancing to the stage of the year's most wholesome awards show.

But Billy Ray Cyrus insists his daughter's critics always go too far. He says, "I just think that Miley loves entertaining people."

And he has urged his daughter not to pay attention to the negative comments being leveled at her. He tells news show Access Hollywood, "I always tell her to love what you're doing and stay focused for the love of the art and not worry so much about opinion."

Image © AP Photo

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)