Did Elton John shade Miley Cyrus during Grammys duet?

It's was set to be the performance of the night at the 60th Annual Grammys tonight.

But as Elton John and Miley Cyrus took to the stage together to perform the veteran musician's classic hit, Tiny Dancer, some fans have been left scratching their heads by their apparent lack of on-stage chemistry.

The icon — who is being honoured with the President's Merit accolade at this year's event — seemed visibly uninterested in Miley's presence with him on stage and people are confused.

While Miley, who looked demure in a floor length maroon gown, sung her heart out to Elton, he failed to sing back to her or make eye contact.

Instead he looked down at his piano, looking as if he was concentrating on the notes he was playing.

But Twitter users have suggested the 70-year-old singer would know the music off-by-heart and was deliberately avoiding her and watching them felt "awkward."

Elton also appeared to dash off stage after the song ended very quickly, leaving the 25-year-old, who is engaged to Aussie heartthrob Liam Hemsworth, trailing behind.

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Other commenters questioned why the Malibu singer had joined Elton during his moment of glory at all, considering he was receiving the highest nod possible from the Recording Academy.

"Loved Elton John! He is AMAZING," one wrote. "Miley, well, I loved her dress, but omg, she was just trying so much, too fake."

However, some praised the unlikely duet as being the best part of the night.

"So loved it," one said. "Great duo performance!!"

"I've been waiting all evening for this performance so emotional and amazing," another wrote.

Miley however, wasn't deterred from the haters, taking to Instagram just moments after their sing-along to thank her hero.

"Sir Elton John, I can't thank you enough for giving me the honour of performing with you tonight at The Grammys!" she wrote. "I've loved every moment I've spent with you over the years & will cherish each second of your kindness..."

She went on to praise him for his tireless work fighting the AIDS epidemic, telling the I'm Still Standing singer she loved him "dearly."

"Everything you do inspires me to keep workin hard," she said. "and never giving up on all my dreams!"

Miley is also set to perform at the Elton John tribute concert in New York alongside Sam Smith in two days time.

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