The single was also performed by Jay-Z and Keys at the American Music Awards ( AMA ) on November 22 , 2009 . They began their performance of " Empire State of Mind " with a rendition of Frank Sinatra 's " New York , New York " . Keys played on a piano on a stage with blue lights in front of a backdrop that had tall buildings . Also , the words " New York " scrolled across screens on the stage . Towards the end of the song , Keys sang with Jay-Z at the front of the stage while holding up a " I love you " sign . Todd Martens of the '' Los Angeles Times '' felt that the song had " worn out its welcome " , adding : " Yes , we know New York is cool . Bars are open late and the public transportation is swell and all , but performing this love letter to New York in Los Angeles ? We 're tired of it . " However , Jeremy Blacklow of '' Access Hollywood '' had a more positive feeling towards the performance , describing it as being " so great " in his live blog for the award ceremony . " Empire State of Mind " was performed by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys at the 2010 BRIT Awards on February 16 , 2010 . '' The Guardian '' wrote that Jay-Z and Alicia Keys " dazzled with their rendition of " Empire State of Mind " " . '' The Daily Mail '' commented on the performance that it was " a rare highlight in a show of lowlights " . According to '' Metro '' , Jay-Z and Alicia Keys " blew the place away " with their performance and " Jay-Z was given a welcome befitting a cultural hero " while " Keys oozed elegance and soul as her startlingly powerful voice stopped everyone in their tracks " . '' The Nation '' opined that the pair " delivered a powerful rendition " of the song
American Music Awards
American Music Awards of 2009
Empire State of Mind