Miley Cyrus Helps Homeless Youth With Backyard Joan Jett Jam Session: Watch

by Natalie Weiner

Miley Cyrus is continuing to prove that there is, most assuredly, life after twerking with Robin Thicke – beyond collaborating with the Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne and continuing to #FreeTheNipple whenever possible, the former teen idol is now starting her own charity to aid homeless youth and raise awareness about LGBT issues.

Called the Happy Hippie Foundation, the organization’s first initiative is a series of “Backyard Sessions” like the one above – Facebook-exclusive videos featuring one-off collaborations between Cyrus and artists like Joan Jett, Ariana Grande, Against Me!’s Laura Jane Grace and Melanie Safka. The videos include an option to donate to Miley’s foundation.

“Pointless judgment and its effects are unfortunately something that is way too common,” Cyrus said in a statement. "All humans have valid feelings and rights! I want to use my voice as a megaphone to young people everywhere and encourage human evolution.“

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“I think what Miley’s doing is wonderful and important to help people find their authentic selves,” Jett told Rolling Stone regarding the foundation. The first video (above) is a duet rendition ofJoan Jett & the Blackhearts’ 2013 song “Different” – as Miley described while inducting Jett into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last month, the performance’s casual ambience is completely natural. “She was running around our backyard,” she said in her speech. "She was with my dogs, playing with my pig, and I played the Tibetan bowls for her at sunset.“