Billy Ray Cyrus is right behind 16-year-old daughter Miley when it comes to a controversial pole dancing performance she gave at the Teen Choice Awards.

Miley remains focused on entertaining, her proud country music-singing dad said.

“You know what? I just think that Miley loves entertaining people. She loves singing [and] songwriting,” he said.

Billy Ray encouraged her to block out negative comments: “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.”