Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' performance of “Empire State of Mind” at Sunday's Tony Awards became one of the most talked about moments at the show, but it also sparked rumors that their performance was pre-taped.
According to the source, The New York TimesTheir performance was broadcast on a video screen on stage and was actually pre-recorded. Hell's Kitchen, These were performed live by the musical's cast onstage at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theatre.
Keys is a producer on the musical and also provided the show's music, which includes existing songs such as “Empire State of Mind” and “Fallin'” as well as new songs.
After the cast performed onstage, Keys appeared in a wheelchair playing piano and began singing “Empire State of Mind.” She then ran out into the audience, and Jay-Z was seen onstage via video screen, rapping the song's lyrics from the top of a staircase. The video then showed Keys joining him on the stairs and continuing the performance.
Spokesperson Hell's Kitchen Neither did Jay-Z's spokesperson comment on why the show was pre-recorded.
Jay-Z's company Roc Nation is also producing the musical. Hell's Kitchen The show won two Tony Awards on Sunday, with Maleah Joy Moon winning best actress in a musical and Kecia Lewis winning best supporting actress.