Those expecting a raunchy performance from Rihanna at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas were in for a more glamorous surprise. RiRi instead went with a subdued but still riveting performance of “Love On The Brain” from her No. 1 album Anti.
Draped in fur, she stood nearly alone, with a mic and a tattered curtain separating her from her band and backup singers. The spotlight was on Rihanna and Rihanna alone as she belted the track out and eventually earned a standing ovation.
It’s an interesting choice, with “Work” featuring Drake being one of the biggest records of the year thus far and its followup, the sultry “Kiss It Better,” gaining steam on Billboard’s Top 40 chart. Whatever the reasoning it was an impressive vocal performance for RiRi, an artist who is often criticized for her ability to do exactly that.
RiRi was nominated nominated for four awards this year including Billboard’s fan-voted Billboard Chart Achievement Award. She also nabbed nominations for Top R&B artist, Top R&B Album and Top Female Artist. She eventually won the Billboard Chart Achievement Award and thanked her fans immediately. Stay updated with our list of 2016 Billboard Music Awards winners as the ceremony rolls on.
