Miley Cyrus should be "left alone" claims KISS legend Gene Simmons.

The songstress faced a barrage of criticism after her risqué performance at the recent MTV Video Music Awards.

Cyrus performed hit song 'We Can't Stop' while sticking her tongue out repeatedly and then suggestively danced alongside Robin Thicke on the star's storming hit 'Blurred Lines'.

Speaking to E! News, rock guitarist Simmons defended Cyrus' antics and quipped: ''It was okay ... But that's a girl's version. It's like girls' basketball. It's as good as girls can get at basketball. But you can't play with the guys.''

He added: ''Whether you stick out your tongue or shake your tushy, all the other girls are doing the same thing. Any girl whose name ends with an A - Madonna, Shakira, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, all these girls who sing pop songs through backing tracks like it's karaoke and gyrate all over the stage - if they can do it, why can't Miley?

''Either condemn the whole lot of them or leave her alone.''

In a separate interview, rapper Nas admits he didn’t know who the 20-year-old star was until recently. After becoming aware of her controversial behaviour, the star said: "I just recently heard of her. I don't know her, but God bless her, whoever she is. Much love to you!"