Elton John tribute brings together Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, John Legend and more

Some of music's best artists came together at Madison Square Garden in New York City Tuesday night for Elton John: I'm Still Standing - A GRAMMY Salute, which was kicked off by a very lively performance from Miley Cyrus, who sang "The Bitch is Back." Other music heavyweights also delivered incredible performances to honor the icon like Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Alessia Cara, Lady Gaga, Little Big Town, Shawn Mendes, SZA, Maren Morris, Chris Martin, Miranda Lambert, Kesha, and John Legend. On top of being honored with incredible performances, Elton and his writing partner Bernie Taupin received the "Recording Academy President's Merit Award," while Elton also received heartfelt messages from the artists who performed throughout the night. Sam Smith told Elton, "As a male singer-songwriter from England, who is gay, you are a shining example who helped me see what was possible in this world," while Gaga eloquently told Elton, "To be able to call myself your family, your friend, your lady, is one of the true thrills and honors of my life. But before I loved you, and your beautiful family, I loved your songs. Songs that will be standing long after all of us are gone. In a world where so much fades, the masterpieces that you and Bernie write together never have, and they never will. I'm sure of that. So thank you, Elton. I love you. And as Bernie once put it so perfectly, as only he could: 'How wonderful life is while you're in the world.'" However, it was the all-star closing performance with the man of the night that really brought it home, as Elton sang "I'm Still Standing" with all of the performers standing behind him.