The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards took a surprise turn when Miley Cyrus sent a young homeless man named Jesse on stage to accept her award.

Cyrus stayed in the audience Sunday night when Jimmy Fallon announced that the singer had won the Video of the Year award for “Wrecking Ball.” Instead of taking the stage and accepting the award herself, the young homeless man stepped in front of the cameras.

Jesse told the crowd that he was a homeless man living in Los Angeles. Some in the audience – and probably some viewers at home – were not sure at first if the acceptance speech was a skit or not. But after listening to his entire speech, and watching Cyrus tearfully cheer him on from the sidelines, it was clear it was a serious message:

(Video via Vulture)

The unnamed man plugged Cyrus’ official Facebook page, where you can find a video from the singer talking about her campaign to help the homeless.

What did you think of Cyrus’ acceptance speech?

Last year, Cyrus performed “Blurred Lines” with Robin Thicke at the VMAs. Needless to say, her appearance tonight was very different from last year’s.

Check out a list of 2014 VMA winners.