Demi Lovato has backed Miley Cyrus, suggesting that people are too quick to criticise her actions.

The 'Wrecking Ball' singer has come under fire on numerous occasions this year as she sheds her Hannah Montana image and engages her in sexuality.

Speaking to Katie Couric, Lovato said that her friend Miley is just being her true self, with people forgetting about the musical talent underneath.

She said: "I think she knows what she's doing. A lot of artists take that route of shock value and that's totally fine and that's great. But I think she has such an incredible voice that's overshadowed by some of the things that she's doing. You know, it's her journey, she's having fun, she's being who she is and I will always love her."

The X Factor USA judge added: "She's been one of my friends since I was 14, but everyone's on their different journeys right now and she's doing that and having fun, so power to her. I think the world needs to kind of get over the fact that she was Hannah Montana when she was 16 or whatever."