People had the same reaction when she performed Stay at the Grammys in 2013. Rihlegend, is a supreme vocalist.
No, sorry, she has not always had this in her. If she did, it wouldn't have taken a damn decade for her to show us these skills. She's clearly been practicing, and for that she should be praised.
Do you not remember her vocals when she sang 'Hero'? Or on her first few albums? She's definitely improved and there's nothing wrong with that.