In that moment, Slim Shady was gone. Eminem took the stage looking completely different—gone were the bleached hair, the baggy hip-hop clothes, the era-defining rebellious image. In its place was a completely new Eminem, with a beard, jet-black hair, and a powerful presence that captivated the crowd. As he performed “Walk on Water,” “Stan,” and “Love the Way You Lie” with Skylar Grey, fans couldn’t help but wonder: had we just witnessed the birth of a new Marshall Mathers?
Eminem’s 2017 performance on Saturday Night Live (SNL) was a powerful medley that captivated audiences. Instead of delivering separate songs, Eminem chose to blend three significant tracks: “Walk on Water,” “Stan,” and “Love the Way You Lie.” This unique performance featured singer-songwriter Skylar Grey, who took on the challenging roles of Beyoncé’s, Dido’s, and Rihanna’s vocals across the songs. She started with “Walk on Water,” Eminem’s introspective single from his then-upcoming album Revival. The song, known for its vulnerable lyrics, had just premiered at the MTV European Music Awards earlier that month.
Transitioning into “Stan,” Grey seamlessly picked up Dido’s haunting chorus, adding to the emotional weight of the song, which tells the story of a fan’s dangerous obsession with Eminem. To conclude, the duo performed “Love the Way You Lie,” Eminem’s hit with Rihanna that explores the complexities of toxic relationships. The medley was nearly nine minutes long, accompanied by a live orchestra, and highlighted Eminem’s lyrical depth and Grey’s versatility.
This appearance marked Eminem’s seventh time on SNL, showcasing his evolution as an artist from his early days in 1999 to his Revival era, emphasizing the range and maturity he had developed over nearly two decades. The performance was widely praised and generated significant social media buzz, with fans lauding the rawness and nostalgia it evoked.
