Eminem Pulls a 'Houdini' with Surprise Performance at Detroit Concert Event

Eminem pulled a “Houdini” at the “Live From Detroit: The Concert at Michigan Central” event.

Following performances by Diana Ross, Big Sean and others, the rapper, 51, surprised the audience when he took the stage at the end of the event held on Thursday, June 6.

Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford, welcomed the musician on stage, saying, "Please welcome to the stage a legend who really needs no introduction. He's a global ambassador for our city. He loves our city and our city loves him. He's joined by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Eminem."

“The Real Slim Shady” singer — who grew up just outside of Detroit and executive produced the all-star outdoor music event — then made his appearance in a gray hoodie and basketball cap as he performed his new song "Houdini," as well as "Sing for the Moment" with Jelly Roll, "Welcome 2 Detroit" with rapper Trick Trick and "Not Afraid."

In videos posted on X (former Twitter), country singer Jelly Roll, 39, could be seen performing "Dream On" ahead of the "Rap God" musician launching into a performance of "Sing for the Moment" to huge cheers from the crowd.

The star also performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra behind him as pyrotechnics lit up the stage to his songs, according to videos posted on X. His performance ended with a firework show that concluded the event.

Eminem’s family also came out to show their support at the show. His daughter Hailie Jade, 28, and her new husband Evan McClintock were spotted in the audience, while his other children Alaina Marie, 31, and Stevie Laine, 22, were also seen at the show.

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On June 3, Michigan Central annou -

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nced the performers for the big event and even seemingly teased Eminem’s performance, noting that “surprise special guests” were scheduled to appear. Alongside Jelly Roll, Ross, 80, and Big Sean, 36, Jack White, Common, Fantasia, the Clark Sisters, Kierra Sheard, Illa J, Melissa Etheridge, Theo Parrish, Slum Village and Sky Jetta were also announced.

In addition to the performers, the star-studded Detroit program also featured "cultural legends" and presenters like Mike Epps, Sophia Bush, Detroit Lions icon Barry Sanders and NFL stars Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown.

The event was held to celebrate the grand reopening of the Michigan Central Station in Detroit, which had closed down in 1988 after falling into disrepair. It eventually landed in the hands of Ford in 2018, and was restored over the next six years into a tech and culture hub.

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Ahead of the event, a press release said the Michigan Central concert will “bring to life the spirit and soul of Detroit” with an impressive slate of musical performances, short films and appearances from local leaders and creators “telling stories of innovation and culture from around the city and the region."

In a separate statement, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said, "Detroit is known around the world for its musical talent, and having so many legendary artists kick off the celebration for the reopening of the iconic Michigan Central Station shows how meaningful this moment is for our city.”

He added, “This historic landmark symbolizes Detroit’s resilience, innovation, and now, its bright future. This is about more than preserving a piece of our past. It also is about paving the way for a new era of growth and opportunity for all Detroiters.”

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