Eminem headlines concert at F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix less than a week after mom’s death

Eminem headlined a concert at the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after his mom, Debbie Nelson, died following a battle with lung cancer.

The “Mockingbird” rapper — born Marshall Mathers — returned to the stage to perform in front of around 40,000 fans at Etihad Park in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday night.

The hitmaker documented his performance via X Sunday, with a fan saying he “delivered a powerful performance.”

Eminem, seen here in October, performed at the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after his mom, Debbie Nelson, died. ZUMAPRESS.com
The track at the F1 Grand Prix is seen here. Getty Images

On Wednesday, Eminem, 52, confirmed he would still perform at the Grand Prix weekend after news broke his mom had died at the age of 69.

According to TMZ, Nelson passed away in St. Joseph, Mo., three months after it was announced she was “terminally ill with advanced lung cancer.”

“There are not many options [for Debbie],” an insider told InTouch Weekly earlier this year. “She is currently staying between the cancer center and with family members. She has a very limited amount of time.”

The performance was described by a fan as “powerful.” Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Eminem hasn’t spoken out since Nelson, seen here in 2006, died in Missouri last Monday. Getty Images

Per the source, Eminem hadn’t visited Nelson amid her illness.

The Grammy winner’s rocky relationship with his mother inspired several of his hit songs, including 2002’s “Cleanin’ Out My Closet.”

“Now, I would never diss my own mama just to get recognition / Take a second to listen ‘fore you think this record is dissin’ / But put yourself in my position, just try to envision / Witnessin’ your mama poppin’ prescription pills in the kitchen,” he raps on the track.

She was sick with lung cancer. JUDIE BURSTEIN/ZUMA Wire / SplashNews.com
The rapper reportedly didn’t visit his mother before she died. AP

Nelson later sued her famous son for defamation, requesting $11 million in damages. However, she was granted only $25,000 and ultimately ended up with $1,600 after paying her legal team.

More than a decade before her death, Nelson talked about reconciling with Eminem, telling the Village Voice in 2008 that she “won’t give up.”

“There’s hope for everybody. It’s a matter of just basically swallowing your pride. It’s like a cashed check. It’s over, it’s done. You need to move on,” she said.

The pair’s relationship has been rocky for decades. Getty Images
Nelson inspired several of her famous son’s hit songs. Getty Images

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