Miley Cyrus Raises Awareness for Youth Homelessness at VMAs

For the second MTV Video Music Awards in a row, pop starlet Miley Cyrus provided the most talked-about moment of the night—but not for what you might think.

On the red carpet pre-show, Cyrus hinted that she may have a surprise later that night, which caused visions/horrors of a repeat performance of last year's controversial twerkfest.

Can't wait to see what @MileyCyrus' special #VMA surprise will be! Do you think she will perform? If so, what song? pic.twitter.com/6hy0HEjoSv

— cambio (@cambio) August 25, 2014

"I'm saving it 'till the end so it doesn't get canned." -@MileyCyrus on her #VMA surprise lololol

— Cosmopolitan (@Cosmopolitan) August 25, 2014

The actual "surprise," however, was nothing of the sort. After the singer's music video for the song "Wrecking Ball" was awarded the Moonman for Video of the Year, her date, a man named Jesse, went on stage to accept the award "on behalf of the 1.6 million runaways and homeless youth in the United States" as Cyrus watched, visibly emotional. Jesse then revealed that he's one of those 1.6 million people, and that he's lived in shelters throughout Los Angeles. He then directed viewers to a video on Cyrus' Facebook page with more information about the singer's campaign to end youth homelessness.

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Cyrus also included a link on her page where people can donate to the charity My Friend's Place, which serves homeless youth in Los Angeles. To further encourage her fans to donate, Cyrus will be awarding a "VIP concert experience" in Brazil to one lucky fan who donates at least five dollars.

This isn't Cyrus' first time raising awareness for a cause in an unorthodox manner. Her first tattoo, the words "just breathe," was in memory of a close friend who passed away from cystic fibrosis.

In spite of all of the recent tragedies, wars, and atrocities happening in the world, it's refreshing to see someone take a positive stand for a change. Props to Miley for using her fame to promote awareness and raise funds for a good cause.