Rihanna Surprises Fans With First Public Performance Since 2023 Super Bowl

The third night of Jay-Z’s “Extra Innings” concert faced a chaotic scene before Rihanna gave her first live public performance since 2023.

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Shortly after midnight, Jay-Z brought out Rihanna to perform her part in the 2009 hit “Run This Town,” according to Page Six. Before that, Rihanna hadn’t performed live in front of a public audience since her Super Bowl halftime show medley in 2023.

After the song, the singer addressed the crowd. “Y’all know I’m rusty, right? It’s been a while. Y’all with me right now?” she said.

Rihanna then performed her 2015 song, “Bitch Better Have My Money,” the outlet reported. Before exiting, she told the audience, “I missed this shit, y’all! New York, I love you guys!”

Her boyfriend, A$AP Rocky, and their 10-month-old daughter, Rocki, were in the crowd. (RELATED: Garth Brooks Announces Arena Tour With Every Ticket Priced The Same)

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Rihanna’s only known performance between the 2023 halftime show and Monday was a 90-minute private showing for Indian billionaire heir Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding festivities, according to Page Six. She also performed at the 2023 Oscars, but that was an invite-only event.

The show was delayed for roughly three hours because there were reportedly thousands of people trying to get in, The Hollywood Reporter reported. “Let me explain the delay to you guys,” Jay Z said. “There were like 10,000 people outside, and we closed all the doors, and somebody rushed the door.”

“They closed the door for you guys’ safety and everyone’s safety outside. I don’t want to start the music and people get trampled,” the rapper continued. “I’m really sorry for the inconvenience, but I had to make sure everyone was OK. I appreciate your patience.”

Over three days, Jay-Z brought out several big names, including Pharrell Williams, Teyana Taylor, Usher, Jermaine Dupri and the rapper’s wife, Beyoncé, according to Page Six.

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