Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ performance of “Empire State of Mind” at the Tony Awards on Sunday was one of the most talked-about moments of the night. However, it has been revealed that their performance was pre-recorded.
According to sources and a report by The New York Times, the segment, which was displayed onstage via a video screen, was indeed pre-taped. The performance was part of a medley of songs from the musical “Hell’s Kitchen,” performed live by the cast at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater.
Alicia Keys, who is a producer on the musical, also provided the show’s score, which includes her hits like “Empire State of Mind” and “Fallin’,” along with new material. After the cast’s live performance, Keys appeared playing the piano and singing “Empire State of Mind.” She then moved into the audience, and Jay-Z appeared on a video screen, rapping his part of the song. The video showed Keys joining him on a set of stairs, continuing their performance together.
Neither a spokesperson for “Hell’s Kitchen” nor a representative for Jay-Z commented on why the segment was pre-recorded. Jay-Z’s company, Roc Nation, is also a producer of the musical. “Hell’s Kitchen” won two Tony Awards on Sunday, with Maleah Joi Moon winning Best Actress in a Musical and Kecia Lewis winning Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
The pre-recorded nature of the performance has sparked discussions about the authenticity of live performances at the Tony Awards. While some parts of the telecast are typically pre-taped, such as technical awards and advertising segments, the musical performances are generally expected to be live.
New York Magazine was the first to report that the segment had been pre-taped. The revelation has led to mixed reactions, with some feeling that it undermines the spirit of live Broadway performances.
Despite the controversy, the performance was a highlight of the night, adding to the excitement and energy of the event. Jay-Z’s appearance in support of Keys’ musical “Hell’s Kitchen” was a significant moment, even if it was pre-recorded.
The Tony Awards also saw other notable performances and winners. The Who’s Pete Townshend performed “Pinball Wizard” with the cast of the Tony-nominated revival of “The Who’s Tommy.” First-time Tony winners included Sarah Paulson, Daniel Radcliffe, Jeremy Strong, and Jonathan Groff. Paulson won Best Actress in a Play for “Appropriate,” which also won Best Revival of a Play. Strong won Leading Actor in a Play for “An Enemy of the People,” while Radcliffe and Groff won for their roles in the revival of “Merrily We Roll Along.”
Nick Jonas is set to return to Broadway in 2025 in a new production of “The Last Five Years,” starring alongside Tony-winner Adrienne Warren. The show will open in the spring of 2025 for a limited 14-week engagement. This will be Jonas’ first appearance in a Broadway musical since the 2011 revival of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
In other news, singer/songwriter Barry Manilow celebrated his 81st birthday, actor/comedian Joe Piscopo turned 73, and rapper Kendrick Lamar turned 37.
