Thu Sep 12 00:52:50 UTC 2024: ## Eminem Makes a Dramatic Return to the VMAs, Paying Homage to His Iconic Past
**New York, NY** – Eminem, the legendary rapper, made a triumphant return to the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, marking his first TV performance in support of his 12th studio album, “The Death of Slim Shady.”
The 51-year-old rapper channeled his iconic 2000 VMAs performance of “The Real Slim Shady,” taking the stage with an army of bleach-blond-wigged doppelgangers – a nod to his early aughts look. He then performed “Houdini,” his latest single, which references his 2003 hit “Without Me.”
Eminem left the stage briefly to ditch the wig before returning to perform “Somebody Save Me,” joined by pre-taped footage from his collaborator Jelly Roll, who is currently on tour. The performance was met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience, including Taylor Swift, who was spotted dancing to the beat.
Eminem is no stranger to the VMAs stage. He made his debut in 1999, performing “My Name Is” and “Guilty Conscience,” and has delivered numerous iconic performances throughout the years, including opening the 2010 ceremony with “Not Afraid” and “Love The Way You Lie” with Rihanna.
“The Death of Slim Shady,” released in July, reached the top spot on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and the lead single, “Houdini,” climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The album features collaborations with artists like Jelly Roll, J.I.D, Skylar Grey, and Big Sean, and includes three bonus tracks.
Eminem, who was nominated for eight awards this year, took home two: Best Hip Hop and Best Visual Effects, both for the video to “Houdini.” These wins brought his total VMA wins to 14, surpassing Peter Gabriel’s 13 and making him the most decorated male artist in VMAs history.
First Piper 