NEW YORK, N.Y. – They starred together on “The X Files,” but on Tuesday night David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson played like they were on “The X Factor.”

“The X Files” stars sang together onstage in New York City, performing Neil Young’s “Helpless” on the day Duchovny released his first album. The Golden Globe-winning actor sang lead while Anderson harmonized with his background singers and band.

“Can we play some real music please?” Anderson joked, joining in when Duchovny and his band returned for an encore performance at The Cutting Room.

“Is there anything you’re in the mood for perhaps?” the actor asked the actress, who replied, “Do you guys know ‘Helpless?’”

Duchovny gave Anderson a light kiss on the lips after the performance and whispered in her ear as she left the stage.

The musical collaboration comes ahead of the duo reprising their roles on “X Files” for a six-episode run airing on Fox this summer. The hit series lasted nine seasons after debuting in 1993.

Duchovny sang songs from his debut album, “Hell or Highwater,” and was backed by a full band. The disc features 12 tracks he wrote.

Anderson wasn’t the only co-star to join Duchovny onstage: Madeleine Martin, who played Duchovny’s daughter on the Showtime series “Californication,” sang the new album’s title track with her TV dad.

The crowd at the intimate show was enthusiastic for the actor’s 90-minute performance.

“I made the mistake of wearing a sweatshirt,” he said of the warm room as fans whistled and yelled, “Take it off!”