Music
Rihanna’s most memorable live performances
In anticipation of her Super Bowl LVII halftime show performance, here’s a look at the artist’s most memorable performances thus far
Rihanna is known for her powerful voice, killer outfits, and for putting on a show. She’s a bonafide artist who is dedicated to wowing her fans and giving viewers something to talk about.
It’s been seven years since the artist last performed live, having been busy with her makeup brand Fenty Beauty and lingerie brand Savage X Fenty. Not to mention, she’s been busy as a first-time mother to a baby boy born in May 2022 with partner A$AP Rocky.
Here’s a look at some of her most memorable performances ahead of her upcoming Super Bowl LVII halftime show performance.
AOL Sessions, 2009: ‘Umbrella’
Performing the song that broke her out into the mainstream ‘Umbrella,’ Rihanna performed the song with her live band in 2009 for AOL Sessions. She can be seen sporting her slick side fringe hair cut which was iconic at the time, as well as a monochromatic outfit.
MTV Video Music Awards, 2016: ‘Rude Boy,’ ‘What’s My Name,’ and ‘Work’
At the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, Rihanna performed a medley between her three hit songs ‘Work,’ ‘Rude Boy’ and ‘What’s My Name,’ in a dancehall-inspired performance going back to her roots.
The event was also the time when Rihanna famously rejected Drake when he praised her in a speech and attempted to kiss her.
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, 2012: ‘Diamonds,’ and ‘Phresh Out the Runway’
For the 2012 iteration of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Rihanna took to the runway to first perform her slower-tempo song ‘Diamonds’ with the angels walking during the chorus.
Rihanna later returned to perform the fitting song ‘Phresh Out the Runway’ during a more energetic and colorful portion of the show.
Diamond Ball, 2014: ‘Pour It Up’ (Orchestral Version)
During the 2014 Diamond Ball, an official international basketball tournament organized by FIBA, Rihanna performed a classy, orchestral version of her song ‘Pour It Up.’
iHeartRadio Music Awards, 2015: ‘B—- Better Have My Money’
Rihanna performed the fierce ‘B—- Better Have My Money’ at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Awards wearing a green Versace look, with an off-the-shoulder green fur coat, green thigh-high boots, green Versace glasses, and a green choker spelling out “Versace.” Talk about iconic.
Billboard Music Awards, 2016: ‘Love On the Brain’
Showing off her vocal range, Rihanna performed a soulful rendition of ‘Love On the Brain’ for the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.