Rihanna sparked a variety of reactions from fans and onlookers during her latest public appearance, where she performed karaoke in New York City, Page Six reported.
Her performance ignited conversations on social media, with many commenting on the quality of her singing.
The pop star attended the Girls Love Karaoke event in New York City on a recent Sunday and performed two of her hits, “Needed Me” and “Sex With Me.” Fans packed the venue to see her, but many expressed surprise at the quality of her vocal performances.
Listeners promptly took to social media to share their thoughts. A significant number of comments were critical, with one user remarking, “Chii 😭 the mic was bleeding,” indicating their reaction to Rihanna's singing. Another user echoed this sentiment, describing the performance as “horrible 😭😭.”
The surprise was not just about the performance itself but also about the harshness of some of the critiques. Further comments included harsh comparisons such as, “Is this really Rihanna? My cat can sing better,” and observations about her vocal prowess, “I didn’t know singing a simple note was this hard.”
Yet, not all feedback was negative. Amidst the critiques, some fans defended Rihanna, suggesting she was simply enjoying herself. A supportive comment read, “Awee she’s having fun,” showing another side to the audience’s perspectives.
The contrast between reactions highlights a divide among fans and casual observers. While some enjoyed the light-hearted side of the event, others expressed disappointment, particularly due to Rihanna's prolonged hiatus from music production. One user’s frustration was evident in their comment, “So she wanna f–k around with karaoke instead of getting her ass in the booth. wtf Rihanna 😒.”
It’s been eight years since Rihanna released her last album in 2016. Fans have been eagerly awaiting new material, so the sight of the artist engaging in casual singing rather than producing new tracks sparked additional outcry. “Like karaoke to your own 2016 hit with nothing new released to the public?!!?” one fan remarked, underlining the ongoing frustration.
Rihanna's appearance at the karaoke night was noted for her casual but stylish attire, comprising a graphic T-shirt, jeans, Bottega Veneta boots priced at $1,400, and a distinctive large brown fur hat. Her fashion choice became a topic of discussion alongside her performance.
Adding to the complexity of fan reactions is Rihanna’s recent hint at a potential shift in career focus. Last month, she observed that music initially captured public attention, but that God might have other plans for her, fuelling speculations about her possibly retiring from music.
Aside from her music career, Rihanna has successfully launched and managed several business ventures, notably in lingerie and cosmetics. These endeavors have kept her in the public eye even as her musical output has waned.
The pivot towards business is seen by some as a natural evolution of her career, building on her influential status to establish and grow her own brands. This shift has been both celebrated and critiqued, with some fans expressing support for her entrepreneurial success, while others lament the reduced musical output.
The recent karaoke event and the debates it has sparked underscore the ongoing interest in Rihanna's career moves, both as a performer and an entrepreneur. Her influence remains significant, illustrating her continuing relevance in the public sphere, regardless of the medium through which she chooses to engage her audience.
As discussions about her karaoke performance continue, Rihanna remains a focal point of celebrity culture and business, showcasing her broad appeal and ability to stir public conversation. Whether on stage or in business, her movements garner significant attention, reflecting her status as a multifaceted public figure.
In the end, Rihanna’s karaoke night threw sharp relief on her powerful celebrity and the expectations that followed her. It also reflected broader shifts in her career, hinting at a future that might increasingly diverge from music but continue to influence culture in various ways.