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’

Jay-Z made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Tony Awards in New York on Sunday evening, where he rapped 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 has been nominated for 13 Tony Awards.

Fans quickly noticed that Jay-Z did not perform on stage, but appeared via video raps from outside the venue.

“Jay-Z said yes, I’m coming to perform outside of the Tonys, I try not to hang out with theater people… and I don’t blame him,” one fan joked.

“Why didn’t they let Jay-Z into the theater??” another joked, while another added, “Jay-Z at the Tonys wasn’t on my bingo card, but I love this.”

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

Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh also explained on X that due to the size of the stage at the David H. Koch Theater, the audience could not see Jay-Z perform in person. ‘

“The stage at Lincoln Center is so small that we never got to see 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 wrote, “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, “Cast of Hell’s Kitchen has taken out a restraining order on Jay-Z #tonys.”

The performance featured dancers performing choreography on stage for the star-studded attendees and guests.

A large screen behind them showed both Jay-Z and Alicia broadcasting lyrics on the stairs as a spotlight shone down. However, the couple was not actually in the main theater where the ceremony took place.

While singing 2009 hit Empire State Of Mind, Keys exclaimed: ‘Let me see ya! We’re in New York City tonight! We’re at the Tony Awards tonight! I had to do something crazy, it’s my hometown!’ per People.

The Grammy winner then appeared on stage to rap his part of the song, and at the very end he shouted, “Brooklyn, New York City at the Tonys, tonight!”

Keys made a statement by wearing loose-fitting Gucci pants with a brown pattern and a matching jacket on top.

Underneath, she wore a dark brown corset-style top and a pair of closed-toed heels that were partially hidden by the hem of the pants.

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

As a finishing touch, she accessorized the look with a chunky gold chain necklace and statement gold earrings.

The Forever Young rapper opted for baggy, dark jeans, a plain white shirt and a Louis Vuitton jacket.

Empire State Of Mind is a song on his eleventh studio album entitled The Blueprint3, which was released in September 2009.

The single became a success upon release, topping several charts such as the US Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks in a row.

The song also received award nominations, including three Grammy nominations, ultimately winning two: Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

Jay-Z has been busy and made a surprise appearance at Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction earlier this week on Wednesday.

Hell’s Kitchen officially premiered on Broadway last October and the shows ended in January.

The jukebox musical received no fewer than twelve Tony Award nominations, such as Best Musical, Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Musical for Maleah Joi Moon and Best Direction of a Musical for Michael Greif.