Jay-Z and Alicia Keys reunite for a special performance of their 2009 hit, “Empire State of Mind,” at the Tony Awards on Sunday evening (June 16). The superstars performed the track in support of Keys’s Broadway show, “Hell’s Kitchen,” which was nominated for 13 Tonys.
Keys appeared on stage at her piano to sing with Tony nominee Maleah Joi Moon. Then JAY-Z, 54, rapped his iconic verses from his 2009 hit single in the venue’s lobby.
“Let me see ya! We in New York City tonight! We at the Tony Awards tonight! Had to do something crazy, it’s my hometown!” said Keys as she introduced Jay-Z to the crowd.
The moment marked the first time they performed the song since the infamous 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Their previous live performance included an interruption by recording artist Lil Mama. The “Lip Gloss” hitmaker recalled the incident In March on the Mr Jay Hill podcast.
Jigga and Keys’s latest performance of the hit closed out the show.
“Empire State of Mind” appeared on Jay-Z’s 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3. The song was produced by Al Shux (Doja Cat, Khalid). Bridget Kelly performed Alicia Keys vocals on the 2009 nationwide The Blueprint 3 tour.
Before the Tonys, Jay-Z performed at Tom Brady’s New England Patriots Hall-of-Fame induction ceremony in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Jay would introduce Tom Brady performing the fan-favorite “Public Service Announcement.”
The 77th Tony Awards event was held at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater in New York City.