Eminem delivered a powerful performance at Etihad Park in front of a crowd of over 40,000 fans on Saturday, just days after the passing of his mother, Debbie Nelson. The concert was part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix's after-race series, marking his third performance of the event.
Debbie Nelson passed away at 69 in St. Joseph, Missouri, following a battle with advanced lung cancer. Her death was reported last week.
Despite speculation that Eminem might cancel his Abu Dhabi appearance due to his mother’s death, the rapper dispelled those rumors when his team confirmed on Wednesday via social media that the show would proceed as planned.
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Eminem's relationship with his mother was widely known to be turbulent. Early in his career, he accused her of neglect and abuse, leading Debbie to sue him for defamation in 1999. While they made attempts to reconcile over the years, it is unclear whether they were in contact before her passing.
The performance showcased Eminem’s resilience, with fans praising his dedication despite his personal loss.