In a dazzling tribute to Broadway’s finest, Alicia Keys and JAY-Z set the stage on fire at the 2024 Tony Awards with their iconic anthem, “Empire State of Mind.” The electrifying performance was a centerpiece celebrating Keys’ Broadway debut musical, “Hell’s Kitchen,” which swept the night with an impressive 13 nominations.
The performance began with Keys at her grand piano, pouring soul into every chord, accompanied by Maleah Joi Moon, the Tony Award-winning star of “Hell’s Kitchen.” The energy soared as JAY-Z appeared on a giant video screen, seamlessly blending his verse into the live performance, even though he wasn’t physically on stage.
The audience at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater erupted in applause, acknowledging the seamless fusion of hip-hop and Broadway. Keys, visibly moved by the moment, expressed her gratitude and excitement backstage: “I’m overwhelmed with joy. To see ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ embraced this way, and to share the stage with JAY-Z, it’s beyond words.”
Keys also hinted at future collaborations with JAY-Z, teasing fans with the possibility of new music. The duo’s chemistry was palpable, reigniting memories of their chart-topping collaboration that became an anthem for New York City.
Before the performance, Keys playfully referenced a memorable moment from the past, adding humor to the evening. Her Instagram Stories featured a clever nod to Lil Mama’s unexpected stage appearance in 2009, showcasing a photoshopped microphone with Lil Mama’s initials, evoking laughter and nostalgia among her followers.
As “Hell’s Kitchen” continues to captivate Broadway audiences, Keys and JAY-Z’s performance at the Tony Awards stands as a testament to their enduring influence on music and culture, uniting genres and celebrating the spirit of New York City.
