They were joined by the cast of 'Hell's Kitchen', a musical based on Keys' life

It was both a critical and commercial success upon its release in 2009, and it remains one of the biggest hits that both Jay Z and Alicia Keys have in their catalogues.

Still, the duo teaming up to perform 'Empire State of Mind' at last night's Tony Awards was unexpected - but nonetheless appreciated by the star-studded audience.

However, it turned out that despite Keys insisting how she "had to do something special [because] it's her home town", the rapper's segment was actually pre-taped and projected onto the screen behind the backing dancers.

The dancers were, in fact, the cast of Broadway show 'Hell's Kitchen', which went on to win two awards. The show is loosely based on the life of Alicia Keys and features her music - including 'Empire State of Mind' - in the show.

Other winners on the night included Daniel Radcliffe, 'Succession' star Jeremy Strong, Angelina Jolie and Sarah Paulson.

Eddie Redmayne, meanwhile, was blasted on social media for his "bizarre" performance as The Emcee in 'Cabaret', with some drawing parallels with Pennywise the Clown from 'IT'.

Watch it below: