AceShowbiz -

Rarely speaking to the press, Justin Gaston finally broke his silence, telling Access Hollywood's guest correspondent Maureen McCormick at the 42nd Annual Country Music Association Awards Wednesday night, November 12 that contrary to the much dating reports he and Miley Cyrus are just friends. "Oh, just family friend, you know," he emphasized.

"I met Billy Ray on the show and just became friends with the whole family. And they're such a great family," Justin continued talking about his close bond with Miley and her family. "I moved [to LA] two years ago and started a modeling career and that's kind of just to break into the music business and everything."

Justin took the stage at the awards show, playing prince charming for singer Taylor Swift while she was singing her hit single "Love Story" off her sophomore album "Fearless". He told People that Miley, who also attended the event, looked "pretty".

Justin himself received praise from Miley's father Billy Ray Cyrus, who gushed, "Can you believe how far this kid has come? Just a few months ago when I first saw him perform on Nashville Star, I said he was going to be a big star. He's got it all - talent, looks, personality. And look at him! Look where he is now!"