Eminem enrages fans with VMAs performance as special guest doesn’t actually show up

During the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Eminem took to the stage to perform his duet with Jelly Roll – but not all fans were impressed with their link up

Eminem

Eminem performed at the VMAs (Image: No credit)

MTV VMA fans were left baffled when Eminem graced the stage for a duet with Jelly Roll, only to have the country sensation appear via a televised screen.

During the eagerly awaited award ceremony, fans were gutted as Jelly Roll didn’t join the iconic rapper Eminem on the actual stage for his act in New York. Eminem kicked off the evening belting out some of his major hit anthems, followed by the heartfelt track ‘Somebody Save Me’ featuring Jelly Roll.

Audiences had high hopes that Jelly Roll would pop up for a surprise show at the event, but they had to make do with just pre-recorded visuals of him belting out the soul-stirring tune against a lunar backdrop. Even though Jelly Roll is currently touring, fans speculated he’d drop by for one of the glitziest evenings in the music biz.

Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift enjoyed the performace ( Image: No credit)
As Eminem’s set unfolded, punters took to X/Twitter, airing their dismay and bewilderment at Jelly Roll’s no-show at the VMAs. One enthusiast tweeted: “Who else was hoping @JellyRoll615 was going to come out on stage with @Eminem? ” Another chimed in with: “Jelly Roll couldn’t even be there to perform this? ” A disgruntled fan remarked: ” WWE got Jelly Roll to show up in person to SummerSlam and swing a steel chair, but MTV only got him via pre-taped video.”

Despite the unexpected twist, many fans – including pop icon Taylor Swift – were enamoured with the performance. Swift was spotted in the crowd, singing and swaying to the music, while fans took to social media to express their admiration for the talented duo.

Jelly Roll
Fans complained Jelly Roll didn’t appear on stage
One fan wrote: “Love that Eminem featured Jelly Roll.” Another chimed in: “Jelly Roll might be one of the most underrated and under appreciated country artists of this time.”

A third added: “Not me sobbing over an Eminem and Jelly Roll collab,” while a fourth agreed, saying: “This Jelly Roll Eminem mashup is actually everything.”

The VMA Awards were originally scheduled for September 10, but were postponed to the following day after Donald Trump agreed to debate Kamala Harris, who was then the unofficial candidate for the Democratic party.

As the debate was set for September 10, MTV decided to move the awards to September 11. Megan Thee Stallion hosted the awards ceremony and rapper herself received five VMA nominations and performed during the event.