The editor spent majority of the article talking about how Rihanna is Queen of social media rather than the concert
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Onstage, Rihanna persuades us to listen to this tune — and all of her tunes — with our eyes. Her dark lipstick seems to have been applied so we can better read her lips. When she touches herself to the rhythm, we’re reminded of the beat registering on our bodies, too. As for the stage design, it’s exquisite. The lighting is knockout artful and the costumes are all sci-fi dishabille. The show looks how it sounds, and sounds how it looks, which is inexplicably rare at a pageant of this magnitude.
In the seats, thousands of phones appear to be recording at any given moment, but they aren’t all pointed toward the stage. A concert is a place to see and to be seen, so naturally, attendees snap selfless during the solemn gust of “Stay,” during the elated thump of “We Found Love,” during the chic snarl of “Bitch Better Have My Money.”
Prigs might be quick to hiss at these young people for repeatedly removing themselves from the moment, but at a Rihanna concert, snapping a selfie is an act of engagement every bit as pure as dancing or singing along. Selfies don’t degrade the moment. They consecrate the moment. Tonight, in this room, as strange as it may seem, there is no gesture more reverential than turning your back on Rihanna and taking a picture.
Why do i have a feeling he thinks he's too big of an artist to be an opening act?
Does anyone that follow him know what the Weeknd is doing at the time of the European dates?
The billboard article hinted at him coming out with new music soon so it was likely because of that.
He got his big break in mainstream charts because of a movie I would hope his ego isn't that big to think he's too good to open up stadium shows.
Another DC review:
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At first, that simplicity seemed a bit strange considering Rihanna is, arguably, the biggest star in the world, but it all made sense eventually.
And then, there she was.
As the lights dimmed overhead and folks rushed to their seats from the aisles, the sound of Rihanna’s “Stay” softly began to play through the speakers of the arena. All eyes were focused on the main stage, but to everybody’s surprise a light shone brightly on a tiny stage on the opposite side of the floor. Like a hazy dream slowly transforming into the reality of day, Rihanna climbed a flight of stairs and, perched atop her platform, began to sing that heartbreaking ballad. When it comes to arena shows, a lot of stars opt to descend onto the stage from above, as if they are being dropped into the crowd from a higher place. But not Rihanna. Rihanna doesn’t descend, Rihanna ascends. A subtle reminder that she is a woman well aware of her position within the pop universe. This is Rihanna’s world, and we’re all just lucky enough to be able to watch her play in it.
For the rest of the night, Rihanna performed a musical feast comprising of each phase of her extensive musical career. From the provocative tone of “Sex with Me” to the island sounds of “Man Down” to the EDM vibes of “We Found Love,” it was amazing to hear the breadth of her music catalog all in one go. Much like the pop giants who came before her — Madonna, Cher, Prince, David Bowie and Michael Jackson, just to name a few — Rihanna has managed to constantly reinvent herself, pushing the boundaries of what “pop” even means. As the crowd cheered and danced to hit after hit after hit, it was like witnessing a spiritual gathering. 20,000 people were connected, in this moment, under the shinning light of one of the biggest stars.
She didn’t need a huge stage, or a dozen back up dancers, or ten outfit changes to command the attention of a sold-out arena. A quick peek at her Instagram account lets you know that Rihanna does whatever she wants, whenever she wants. Nobody calls the shots for her. This is a woman completely in control of her life, of her destiny.
And that’s what makes Rihanna so special. She has transcended the typical notion of what it means to be a pop star. Her image isn’t a carefully curated amalgamation of what the public wants, rather, the public follows her lead. She doesn’t mold herself to the cultural landscape, she’s the one planting the seeds.
i can't believe i'm gonna see her 3 times ! Oslo Stockholm and Berlin i'm so happy i am trying to get more days off from work to see her in Amsterdam too
Honestly not sure why this is a huge surprise. Ever since it was announced, I felt like this isn't meant to be. Regardless he was gonna be opening act - simply that. I like him but you shouldn't be betting on the opening act when Rihanna is the main course. I'd take rih anyday. And sure it sucks for those that felt like they were lured but again, it's Rihanna at the end of the tour who is the main focus.
This must be fake. How does she only have a 69.00 average?
She's not that much of a touring power in North America..Her past tours got similar grosses so it's not new..The $69 average you're talking about simply the 1000 unsold tickets most of them could be the most expensive, plus the packages are not counting to the reporting gross.
