Eminem opened tonight’s 2024 MTV Video Music Awards by performing “Houdini” and “Somebody Save Me” from his latest album. The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)at the UBS Arena on Long Island. Eminem recreated his famous set from the 2000 VMAs when the stage was packed with the rapper’s lookalikes for a performance of “The Real Slim Shady.” This time, Em and her bandmates donned awkward blonde wigs and dark beards during ‘Houdini’, while Jelly Roll appeared on screen for a virtual duet of ‘Somebody Save Me’. Watch it happen below.
This is Eminem’s second time opening the awards show, following his 2010 set that included a duet of “Not Afraid” and Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie.”
Eminem is nominated for eight at this year’s VMAs, and winning just one could break his tie with Phil Collins to make him the most awarded MoonPerson artist in VMA history. Em is nominated for Video of the Year, Best Hip-Hop, Best Direction, Best Editing, Song of the Summer and Best Visual Effects for Houdini. She also won Artist of the Year and Most Popular Performance at the VMAs.
Eminem has performed at the VMAs several times, most recently at the 2022 event, when he performed alongside Snoop Dogg as an avatar. In 2012, he and Snoopy were joined by Dr. Dre for “Forgot About Dre” and “Still DRE”.
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