Tube4vids logo

Your daily adult tube feed all in one place!

Jay-Z performs at the Tony Awards with Alicia Keys but SKIPS appearing on stage as shocked fans react: 'This was not on my bingo card'

PUBLISHED
UPDATED
VIEWS

Jay-Z made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Tony Awards in New York on Sunday night, rapping his hit Empire State of Mind with Alicia Keys

The pair came together to support Hell's Kitchen, a jukebox musical produced by Keys and featuring her songs.

Empire State of Mind is featured in the musical based on Keys' early life and music and is nominated for 13 Tony Awards. 

Fans were quick to notice that Jay-Z did not perform onstage, instead appearing via video rapping from outside the venue.

'Jay-Z was like yea I'll come perform outside the Tonys, I'm not trying to hang out with theatre people….and I don't blame him,' one fan jokes. 

'Why didn't they let Jay-Z in the actual theater??' another quipped, while another added: 'Jay-Z at the Tonys was not on my bingo card but I'm into this.'

Before the performance, Keys hit the red carpet with her parents and three sons, Kasseem Jr., 17, Egypt, 13, and Genesis, 9. 

Jay-Z makes surprise appearance at Tony Awards with Alicia Keys performing Empire State of Mind

Jay-Z makes surprise appearance at Tony Awards with Alicia Keys performing Empire State of Mind

The pair came together to support Hell's Kitchen, a jukebox musical produced by Keys and featuring her songs

The pair came together to support Hell's Kitchen, a jukebox musical produced by Keys and featuring her songs

Ramin Setoodeh, the co-editor-in-chief for Variety, also explained on X that due to the size of the stage inside the David H. Koch Theater, the crowd wasn't able to see Jay-Z 'perform in person.' 

'The stage at Lincoln Center is so small, we never saw Jay-Z perform in person at the #TonyAwards. He and Alicia Keys sang the end of the song in the lobby.' 

Another social media user penned, '"How do we get people in Iowa to buy Broadway tickets?" ANSWER: make them think Jay-Z and Alicia will be at the actual performance of Hell's Kitchen.' 

Another jokingly typed out, 'Cast of Hell's Kitchen has a restraining order out on Jay-Z #tonys.' 

During the performance, dancers could be seen performing choreography on the stage in front of the star-studded attendees and guests.

A large screen behind them showed both Jay-Z and Alicia belting out lyrics on stairs as a spotlight shone down. However, the pair weren't actually inside the main theater where the ceremony took place. 

While singing the 2009 hit track, Empire State Of Mind, Keys exclaimed, '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!' per People. 

The Grammy winner then appeared on stage to rap his portion of the song, and at the very end, he called out, 'Brooklyn, New York City in the Tonys, tonight!'

Empire State of Mind is featured in the musical based on Keys' early life and music and is nominated for 13 Tony Awards

Empire State of Mind is featured in the musical based on Keys' early life and music and is nominated for 13 Tony Awards

Fans were quick to notice that Jay-Z did not perform onstage, instead appearing via video rapping from outside the venue

Fans were quick to notice that Jay-Z did not perform onstage, instead appearing via video rapping from outside the venue

'Jay-Z was like yea I'll come perform outside the Tonys, I'm not trying to hang out with theatre people….and I don't blame him,' one fan jokes

'Jay-Z was like yea I'll come perform outside the Tonys, I'm not trying to hang out with theatre people….and I don't blame him,' one fan jokes

'Why didn't they let Jay-Z in the actual theater??' another quipped, while another added: 'Jay-Z at the Tonys was not on my bingo card but I'm into this'

'Why didn't they let Jay-Z in the actual theater??' another quipped, while another added: 'Jay-Z at the Tonys was not on my bingo card but I'm into this'

Ramin Setoodeh, the co-editor-in-chief for Variety, also explained on X that due to the size of the stage inside the David H. Koch Theater, the crowd wasn't able to see Jay-Z 'perform in person'

Ramin Setoodeh, the co-editor-in-chief for Variety, also explained on X that due to the size of the stage inside the David H. Koch Theater, the crowd wasn't able to see Jay-Z 'perform in person'

Another social media user penned, '"How do we get people in Iowa to buy Broadway tickets?" ANSWER: make them think Jay-Z and Alicia will be at the actual performance of Hell's Kitchen'

Another social media user penned, '"How do we get people in Iowa to buy Broadway tickets?" ANSWER: make them think Jay-Z and Alicia will be at the actual performance of Hell's Kitchen'

During the performance, dancers could be seen performing choreography on the stage in front of the star-studded attendees and guests
While singing the 2009 hit track, Empire State Of Mind, Keys exclaimed, '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!' per People

During the performance, dancers could be seen performing choreography on the stage in front of the star-studded attendees and guests

Keys made a statement wearing a pair of loose-fitting, brown-patterned Gucci trousers as well as a matching jacket on top. 

Underneath, she sported a dark brown, corset-styled top and slipped into a pair of closed-toed heels that were partially concealed by the hem of the trousers. 

Her dark locks were pulled back into a sleek bun, preventing any loose strands from falling onto her face. 

For a finishing touch, she accessorized the look with a chunky, gold-chained necklace as well as flashy, gold earrings. 

The Forever Young rapper opted for a pair of baggy, dark denim pants as well as a plain, white shirt and Louis Vuitton jacket. 

Empire State Of Mind is a track on his 11th studio album titled, The Blueprint3 - which dropped in September 2009. 

The single became a success upon its release, and topped various music charts, such as the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks in a row.

The song also garnered award nominations, including three Grammy nods and eventually won two: Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.  

The Grammy winner then appeared on stage to rap his portion of the song, and at the very end, he called out, 'Brooklyn, New York City in the Tonys, tonight!'

The Grammy winner then appeared on stage to rap his portion of the song, and at the very end, he called out, 'Brooklyn, New York City in the Tonys, tonight!'

The Forever Young rapper opted for a pair of baggy, dark denim pants as well as a plain, white shirt and Louis Vuitton jacket

The Forever Young rapper opted for a pair of baggy, dark denim pants as well as a plain, white shirt and Louis Vuitton jacket

Empire State Of Mind is a track on his 11th studio album titled, The Blueprint3 - which dropped in September 2009

Empire State Of Mind is a track on his 11th studio album titled, The Blueprint3 - which dropped in September 2009

Jay-Z has been keeping busy, and had a surprise performance at Tom Brady's Patriots Hall of Fame induction earlier this week on Wednesday. 

Hell's Kitchen officially premiered off-Broadway last year in October, with shows coming to an end in January. The production then moved to the Schubert Theatre on Broadway earlier this year in April. 

The jukebox musical garnered a whopping total of 12 Tony Award nominations, such as Best Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for Maleah Joi Moon, and Best Direction of a Musical for Michael Greif. 

Last month in May, Alicia opened up about Hell's Kitchen while talking to People and also discussed the positive response from both audiences and fans. 'This is all of our stories.' 

'That's what I've learned creating and watching Hell's Kitchen; that there's so much that connects us all.'

The songstress added, 'Even though we have different versions, we all go through things that are quite similar. Ultimately, we're just all trying to find where we belong and who we actually are.'

'That's what I get from it; I get this ability to understand each other and to find our way,' the star continued. 

'And it's cathartic. You're laughing, you're singing, you're crying - you're a mess in this show. But you feel seen. And I think it's really, really beautiful.' 

Last month in May, Alicia opened up about Hell's Kitchen while talking to People and also discussed the positive response from both audiences and fans. 'This is all of our stories'; seen in April in NYC

Last month in May, Alicia opened up about Hell's Kitchen while talking to People and also discussed the positive response from both audiences and fans. 'This is all of our stories'; seen in April in NYC 

Before her performance with Jay-Z during the Tony Awards, Keys graced the red carpet in a figure-hugging, red dress that contained sparkling, sequin details on the neckline and skirt

Before her performance with Jay-Z during the Tony Awards, Keys graced the red carpet in a figure-hugging, red dress that contained sparkling, sequin details on the neckline and skirt

Alicia was accompanied by her family, including her mother and father, as well as her three sons: Kasseem Jr., 17, Egypt , 13, and Genesis, 9

Alicia was accompanied by her family, including her mother and father, as well as her three sons: Kasseem Jr., 17, Egypt , 13, and Genesis, 9

Before her performance with Jay-Z during the Tony Awards, Keys graced the red carpet in a figure-hugging, red dress that contained sparkling, sequin details on the neckline and skirt. 

She additionally added a thin belt around her waist as well as a pair of dark red, opera-length gloves for an elegant flare. 

The star opted for minimal accessories to allow the ensemble to be the main focal point, and added a pair of dangly, silver earrings. 

Alicia was accompanied by her family, including her mother and father, as well as her three sons: Kasseem Jr., 17, Egypt, 13, and Genesis, 9. 

Tony Awards 2024 winners in full

Best Musical

Hell’s Kitchen

Illinoise

The Outsiders - WINNER

Suffs

Water for Elephants

Angelina and Vivienne Jolie were massive winners as their production of The Outsiders won top honor Best Musical

Angelina and Vivienne Jolie were massive winners as their production of The Outsiders won top honor Best Musical

 

Best Play

Jaja's African Hair Braiding

Mary Jane

Mother Play

Prayer for the French Republic

Stereophonic - WINNER

 

Best Revival of a Play

Appropriate - WINNER

An Enemy of the People

Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

 

Best Revival of a Musical

Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Gutenberg! The Musical!

Merrily We Roll Along - WINNER

The Who's Tommy

 

Best Book of a Musical

Kristoffer Diaz, Hell's Kitchen

Bekah Brunstetter, The Notebook

Adam Rapp and Justin Levine, The Outsiders

Shaina Taub, Suffs - WINNER

Rick Elice, Water for Elephants

 

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Adam Guettel, Days of Wine and Roses

David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, Here Lies Love

Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) and Justin Levine, The Outsiders

Will Butler, Stereophonic

Shaina Taub, Suffs - WINNER

 

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

William Jackson Harper, Uncle Vanya

Leslie Odom, Jr., Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

Liev Schreiber, Doubt: A Parable

Jeremy Strong, An Enemy of the People  - WINNER

Michael Stuhlbarg, Patriots

 

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Betsy Aidem, Prayer for the French Republic

Jessica Lange, Mother Play

Rachel McAdams, Mary Jane

Sarah Paulson, Appropriate - WINNER

Amy Ryan, Doubt: A Parable

Sarah Paulson took home Best Actress in a Play for Appopriate

Sarah Paulson took home Best Actress in a Play for Appopriate

 

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Brody Grant, The Outsiders

Jonathan Groff, Merrily We Roll Along - WINNER

Dorian Harewood, The Notebook

Brian d'Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses

Eddie Redmayne, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

 

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Eden Espinosa, Lempicka

Maleah Joi Moon, Hell's Kitchen - WINNER

Kelli O'Hara, Days of Wine and Roses

Maryann Plunkett, The Notebook

Gayle Rankin, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

 

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Will Brill, Stereophonic - WINNER

Eli Gelb, Stereophonic

Jim Parsons, Mother Play

Tom Pecinka, Stereophonic

Corey Stoll, Appropriate

 

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Doubt: A Parable

Juliana Canfield, Stereophonic

Celia Keenan-Bolger, Mother Play

Sarah Pidgeon, Stereophonic

Kara Young, Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch - WINNER

Kara Young was recognized in the Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

Kara Young was recognized in the Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Roger Bart, Back To The Future: The Musical

Joshua Boone, The Outsiders

Brandon Victor Dixon, Hell's Kitchen

Sky Lakota-Lynch, The Outsiders

Daniel Radcliffe, Merrily We Roll Along - WINNER

Steven Skybell, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

 

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Shoshana Bean, Hell's Kitchen

Amber Iman, Lempicka

Nikki M. James, Suffs

Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Monty Python's Spamalot

Kecia Lewis, Hell's Kitchen - WINNER

Lindsay Mendez, Merrily We Roll Along

Bebe Neuwirth, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

 Best Scenic Design of a Play

dots, Appropriate

dots, An Enemy of the People

Derek McLane, Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

David Zinn, Jaja's African Hair Braiding

David Zinn, Stereophonic - WINNER

 

Best Scenic Design of a Musical

AMP featuring Tatiana Kahvegian, The Outsiders

Robert Brill and Peter Nigrini, Hell's Kitchen

Takeshi Kata, Water for Elephants

David Korins, Here Lies Love

Riccardo Hernández and Peter Nigrini, Lempicka

Tim Hatley and Finn Ross, Back To The Future: The Musical

Tom Scutt, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club - WINNER

Tom Scutt was bestowed with Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Tom Scutt was bestowed with Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

 

Best Costume Design of a Play

Dede Ayite, Appropriate

Dede Ayite, Jaja's African Hair Braiding - WINNER

Enver Chakartash, Stereophonic

Emilio Sosa, Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

David Zinn, An Enemy of the People

 

Best Costume Design of a Musical

Dede Ayite, Hell's Kitchen

Linda Cho, The Great Gatsby - WINNER

David Israel Reynoso, Water for Elephants

Tom Scutt, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Paul Tazewell, Suffs

 

Best Lighting Design of a Play

Isabella Byrd, An Enemy of the People

Amith Chandrashaker, Prayer for the French Republic

Jiyoun Chang, Stereophonic

Jane Cox, Appropriate - WINNER

Natasha Katz, Grey House

 

Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Brandon Stirling Baker, Illinoise

Isabella Byrd, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Natasha Katz, Hell's Kitchen

Bradley King and David Bengali, Water for Elephants

Brian MacDevitt and Hana S. Kim, The Outsiders - WINNER

 

Best Sound Design of a Play

Justin Ellington and Stefania Bulbarella, Jaja's African Hair Braiding

Leah Gelpe, Mary Jane

Tom Gibbons, Grey House

Bray Poor and Will Pickens, Appropriate

Ryan Rumery, Stereophonic - WINNER

Ryan Rumery earned Best Sound Design of a Play for Stereophonic

Ryan Rumery earned Best Sound Design of a Play for Stereophonic

 

Best Sound Design of a Musical

M.L. Dogg and Cody Spencer, Here Lies Love

Kai Harada, Merrily We Roll Along

Nick Lidster for Autograph, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Gareth Owen, Hell's Kitchen

Cody Spencer, The Outsiders - WINNER

Cody Spencer triumphed in the Best Sound Design of a Musical category for  The Outsiders

Cody Spencer triumphed in the Best Sound Design of a Musical category for  The Outsiders

 

Best Direction of a Play

Daniel Aukin, Stereophonic - WINNER

Anne Kauffman, Mary Jane

Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

Lila Neugebauer, Appropriate

Whitney White, Jaja's African Hair Braiding

 

Best Direction of a Musical

Maria Friedman, Merrily We Roll Along

Michael Greif, Hell's Kitchen

Leigh Silverman, Suffs

Jessica Stone, Water for Elephants

Danya Taymor, The Outsiders - WINNER

Danya Taymor won Best Direction of a Musical for The Outsiders

Danya Taymor won Best Direction of a Musical for The Outsiders

 

Best Choreography

Annie-B Parson, Here Lies Love

Camille A. Brown, Hell's Kitchen

Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman, The Outsiders

Justin Peck, Illinoise - WINNER

Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll, Water for Elephants

 

Best Orchestrations

Timo Andres, Illinoise

Will Butler and Justin Craig, Stereophonic

Justin Levine, Matt Hinkley and Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance), The Outsiders

Tom Kitt and Adam Blackstone, Hell's Kitchen

Jonathan Tunick, Merrily We Roll Along - WINNER

 

Comments