Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ performance of “Empire State of Mind” at the Tony Awards on Sunday was a highlight of the evening, but it has since been revealed that the segment was pre-taped. This revelation has sparked discussions about the authenticity of the performance, which was initially presented as live.
Sources, including a report by The New York Times, confirmed that the segment was prerecorded. The performance was part of a medley from the musical “Hell’s Kitchen,” performed live by the cast at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater. Alicia Keys, a producer of the musical, also provided its score, which features both her classic hits and new material.
After the live cast performance, Keys appeared on stage playing the piano and singing “Empire State of Mind.” She then moved into the audience, while Jay-Z appeared on a video screen, rapping his part of the song from a set of stairs. The video showed Keys joining him on the stairs, continuing their performance together.
Neither a spokesperson for “Hell’s Kitchen” nor Jay-Z’s representatives commented on why the segment was pre-taped. Jay-Z’s company, Roc Nation, is also a producer of the musical. “Hell’s Kitchen” won two Tony Awards that night, with Maleah Joi Moon winning Best Actress in a Musical and Kecia Lewis winning Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
The performance created a buzz inside the arena, but the revelation that it was pre-taped has led to mixed reactions. The Broadway community, known for its emphasis on live performances, felt somewhat undercut by this piece of Hollywood trickery.
A representative from Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and a producer at White Cherry Entertainment did not respond to requests for clarification. A senior publicist for the telecast also did not comment on the matter.
“Hell’s Kitchen,” which is loosely based on Keys’ experiences growing up in Manhattan, features a mix of her old hits and new songs. Keys, while a producer, does not appear in the show. The musical ends with a powerful rendition of “Empire State of Mind.”
Each nominee for Best New Musical at the Tony Awards gets a slot to perform, and “Hell’s Kitchen” was the first to take the stage. The cast performed a medley of songs, including Keys’ hit “Fallin’.” Keys then appeared at the piano, singing “Empire State of Mind,” before moving into the audience and seemingly joining Jay-Z on the venue’s marble steps.
The audience inside the auditorium did not see the two performers live, and no photos have surfaced of them together. The final part of their performance was shown to the TV audience and on a video screen inside the venue. Keys wore the same outfit she had on stage, but Jay-Z was never seen entering the packed auditorium.
While some parts of the Tony telecast are pre-taped, such as technical awards and advertising segments, the musical performances are generally expected to be live. This expectation adds to the disappointment felt by some in the Broadway community.
New York Magazine was the first to report that the segment had been pre-taped. The news has since been confirmed by various sources, including an official who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
The pre-taped segment has raised questions about the authenticity of live performances at major award shows. While the use of pre-taped segments is not uncommon, it is generally reserved for non-performance parts of the show. The revelation that a major musical performance was pre-taped has led to a broader discussion about the nature of live entertainment.
Despite the controversy, “Hell’s Kitchen” remains a strong contender in the Broadway scene. The musical has been nominated for several awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction, and various performance categories. Its mix of old and new songs, along with its connection to Alicia Keys’ personal story, has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The Tony Awards performance, while now known to be pre-taped, still showcased the talent and creativity behind “Hell’s Kitchen.” The musical’s success at the awards and its continued popularity suggest that it will remain a significant part of the Broadway landscape.
As the discussion about pre-taped performances continues, it remains to be seen how future award shows will handle similar situations. For now, the focus remains on the talent and hard work of the performers and creators who bring these musicals to life.
