On October 25, 2019, Eminem returned to Abu Dhabi’s Du Arena for a sold-out show, delivering a high-energy performance that included a standout rendition of Walk on Water featuring Skylar Grey. Part of his Kamikaze World Tour, this moment at Yas Island was a powerful showcase of vulnerability and artistry, captured in vivid HD. With Skylar Grey’s soulful vocals and Eminem’s introspective bars, backed by a string orchestra, the performance left the crowd of thousands buzzing. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to vibe with and explore why this moment shines in 2025!
What’s Walk on Water About?
Walk on Water, the lead single from Eminem’s 2017 album Revival, is a raw reflection on fame, pressure, and self-doubt. Originally featuring Beyoncé, the live version swaps her for Skylar Grey, who co-wrote the track and delivers the haunting chorus: “I walk on water / But I ain’t no Jesus.” Eminem’s verses dig into his fear of falling short—lines like “The crowds are gone / And it’s time to wash out the blonde” reveal a legend wrestling with his legacy. Released November 10, 2017, it peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and set a vulnerable tone for Revival. At Du Arena, the song’s emotional weight hit harder live, connecting with fans in a massive open-air venue.
Why This Performance Was Special
Eminem’s Abu Dhabi show was his first in the UAE since 2012’s F1 Festival, and he came ready to deliver. The setlist, nearly 30 songs, spanned his career—The Real Slim Shady, Stan, Rap God—but Walk on Water stood out for its intimacy. Skylar Grey, a longtime collaborator (Love The Way You Lie, I Need A Doctor), joined him on stage, her vocal range soaring alongside a lush string section, adding cinematic depth. Eminem, in his signature hoodie, paced with intensity, spitting bars about perfectionism with a mix of grit and honesty. The crowd, hyped from hits like Lucky You and Till I Collapse, went quiet for this one, soaking in the lyrics. Gulf News called Skylar’s performance “delightful,” noting the orchestra’s impact, while Time Out Dubai hailed the show as “a one-off celebration from an iconic artist.” HD clips, uploaded to YouTube on October 25, 2019, catch every detail—Em’s focus, Skylar’s poise, and the sea of phone lights.
The Abu Dhabi 2019 Context
The Du Arena gig, a stop on the Kamikaze World Tour, marked Eminem’s return after a five-month live performance break. Abu Dhabi was buzzing—7 years since his last UAE show, the city had changed, but Em’s pull was stronger than ever. Promoted with a video hyping Without Me and Not Afraid, the concert sold out fast, drawing fans from across the Emirates. Skylar Grey was a known guest, confirmed via her Instagram (June 17, 2019), where she teased “side-stage dance parties” with her son. Opening acts included DJ Danny Neville, warming up the crowd of over 10,000. Eminem promised surprises in a pre-show Q&A, but Skylar’s appearance was the main draw, filling in for Rihanna on Love The Way You Lie and The Monster too. Justrandomthings praised Em’s “youthful energy,” and X posts from October 2019, like @Eminem_Pro’s, shared clips with fire emojis, reflecting the hype.
Where to Watch It
