Skylar Grey Recalls Emotional Grammy Performance with Eminem, Rihanna, and Dr. Dre; Eminem’s Comforting Gesture Revealed
More than a decade after their iconic collaboration at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2011, Skylar Grey has offered a candid and emotional reflection on her performance, revealing an unexpected moment of comfort from Eminem. Back then, the star-studded lineup of Eminem, Rihanna, Dr. Dre, Skylar Grey, and Adam Levine delivered a memorable medley, featuring “Love The Way You Lie (Part 2)” and “I Need A Doctor,” a performance etched in Grammy history.
Recently, Skylar Grey shared a short video clip of the performance on her Instagram, accompanying it with a deeply personal caption. Despite the electrifying nature of the event, Grey admitted to feeling dissatisfied with her own vocal delivery. “The most surreal moment in my life as a performer,” she began, expressing a lifelong ambition. “I dreamed about being on that stage since childhood. After we got off stage, Em gave me a big kiss on the cheek and seemed very pleased with the performance.”
However, her internal critique was far harsher. “However, I locked myself in my dressing room and cried because I thought I did not sing good! Will forever be hard on myself but I guess that is what keeps me reaching…” This revelation provides a rare glimpse into the perfectionism and self-doubt that can plague even accomplished artists, despite external validation. Eminem’s affectionate gesture of a kiss on the cheek, intended to reassure her, highlights a compassionate side of the often intense rapper, offering a moment of genuine support to his collaborator.
This isn’t the first time Skylar Grey has recounted the profound impact of that Grammy night. In a previous Genius annotation, she similarly described the experience as incredibly special: “The most amazing thing for me with this was getting to perform at the Grammys with Dr. Dre and Eminem (‘I Need A Doctor’) when Rihanna opened up our medley with ‘Love The Way You Lie.’ That was a really special moment in my life.” Her consistent emphasis on the “surreal” and “special” nature of the event underscores its significance in her career trajectory.
The Significance of “I Need A Doctor”
The performance of “I Need A Doctor” carried significant weight for both Eminem and Dr. Dre. Produced by Alex da Kid, the cinematic track was initially slated for inclusion on Dr. Dre’s highly anticipated, yet ultimately unreleased, album, DETOX. The song delves into the intricate and often challenging relationship between the two hip-hop titans. In his verses, Eminem passionately raps about Dr. Dre being creatively stifled and consumed by grief and depression, struggling to produce music with his former prowess.
Eminem, who had personally navigated a similar period of creative stagnation and emotional turmoil following the death of his best friend Proof in 2006, made a heartfelt and urgent plea in the song. His lyrics served as a powerful attempt to break through to Dre, urging him to rediscover his self-belief and reignite his musical genius. The raw emotion and candidness of the song resonated deeply with fans, offering a rare insight into the bond and mutual respect shared by the two artists. Their performance at the Grammys, therefore, was not merely a musical showcase but a deeply personal narrative brought to life on a global stage.
Eminem’s Grammy Triumphs
That very night at the Grammys, Eminem was arguably the most nominated artist, a testament to his monumental success with the album Recovery. He ultimately took home two prestigious awards. He won Best Rap Solo Performance for “Not Afraid,” triumphing over a strong field of contenders that included “Over” by Drake, “How Low” by Ludacris, “I’m Back” by T.I., and “Power” by Kanye West. Additionally, Eminem secured the award for Best Rap Album for Recovery, besting formidable albums such as The Adventures Of Bobby Ray by B.o.B., Thank Me Later by Drake, The Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z, and How I Got Over by The Roots.
His dual victories solidified his status as a dominant force in the rap genre and underscored the critical acclaim and commercial success of Recovery. The Grammy night of 2011 was a landmark event for Eminem, marked by both his individual triumphs and the unforgettable collaborative performance that showcased his enduring influence and the powerful connections he shares with fellow music legends. Skylar Grey’s recent recollection only adds another layer of human emotion to this already legendary evening.
