VMAN 13

MEET MR. MILEY

JUSTIN GASTON MAY BE BEST KNOWN FOR DATING MILEY CYRUS, BUT THE 20-YEAR-OLD MODEL IS A BREAKOUT STAR IN HIS OWN RIGHT

Photography Doug Inglish      Styling Jay Massacret

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Clothing Polo by Ralph Lauren
Fragrance Ralph Lauren Romance

Every tween across America has heard the name Justin Gaston, usually prefaced by the phrase “spotted with.” The Pineville, Louisiana, native is the boyfriend of teenage superstar Miley Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana (though neither has ever officially confirmed the relationship). He’s 20 and she’s 16, which might seem a bit scandalous, but they claim to be chaste. They go to church together and are both Christians. And father Billy Ray Cyrus approves.

Actually, Billy Ray introduced the couple. While Gaston has been modeling since he was 17, last summer he scored a spot on Nashville Star, the country-music version of American Idol (Billy Ray is the show’s equivalent of Ryan Seacrest). Justin didn’t win the competition, but he did hit it off with papa Cyrus. After Gaston headed back to L.A., the two stayed in touch via text message, and Gaston was soon brought into the family fold.

What’s it like being an aspiring 20-year-old in the shadow of a teen sensation? “I look up to her,” says Justin. “It’s nice to have someone there who already knows what’s going on. It helps you plan your next steps.” As with everything he says, Gaston is completely sincere. He can truly be described as a nice guy—and “nice” is exactly what he likes about Miley. “In a girl, I want someone who’s really genuine,” he says. “Someone attractive, but more just really nice.”

In the background, Miley interrupts with a quote from the Bible. “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

“That’s true, that’s true,” he agrees.

Gaston sees music as his future. He will continue modeling and perhaps pursue acting, but he spends most of his time right now writing and singing. And Miley wants to help. “I just got a studio for my birthday,” she shouts after taking the phone. “And I got him a guitar for Christmas. It’s really cool that I can hang out with him and he can help me and I can help him. It’s awesome, really fun. My goal is to become one of the most-wanted producers of 2010, so we have a whole year to get really, really good.” JACOB BROWN