FARMER ALAN Graham may not have known her from Eve, but to the crowd packed into the O2 last night, Rihanna is the most recognisable face of pop today. The 23-year-old star from Barbados has quickly elbowed her way to the forefront of pop, outshining even Beyonce and Lady Gaga as she sweeps all before her stilettoed feet.
Rihanna’s latest Irish visit has already made the news after 61-year-old Graham, a farmer and DUP councillor in Bangor, Co Down, caught the pop star cavorting on his land in a “state of undress”. He had allowed her to use the field to shoot a video for her latest single, We Found Love, but found the whole thing too much for his sensibilities.
There were no such reservations among Rihanna’s huge female fan base at the O2. They were expecting a raunchy show, with lots of bump ‘n’ grind, skimpy costumes, and more hits than you can shake your booty at. And they got it – loud and proud.
Bursting out of what looked like a giant car headlight, dressed in a shiny blue kimono, shocking pink pixie boots and little else, Rihanna launched into The Only Girl In The World.The kimono didn't last long, getting discarded for the second number, Disturbia, to reveal a bikini. Hardly disturbing, but definitely distracting.
And SM upped the raunch level, with its chorus of, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but whips and chains excite me.”
The crowd went particularly wild for Unfaithful, Hate That I Love You, Don't Stop The Music, Rude Boyand, of course, Umbrella.Rated R for rude? Sure, but we can handle it.
