Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now

Proof that Rihanna can sing, in one video

Rihanna performs onstage during “The Concert For Valor” at The National Mall on November 11, 2014 in Washington, DC.
Rihanna performs onstage during “The Concert For Valor” at The National Mall on November 11, 2014 in Washington, DC.
Rihanna performs onstage during “The Concert For Valor” at The National Mall on November 11, 2014 in Washington, DC.
Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for HBO

Bad girl pop star Rihanna performed on the National Mall last night, during a star-studded concert in honor of Veteran’s Day. She floated out like a beautiful sparkly superhero, then sang three songs before handing the stage over to Eminem. And girl proved that she can actually sing, despite the rumors that she can’t.

Rihanna’s performance came at the end of a night filled with some amazing vocalists. The crowd on the National Mall was packed together when Jennifer Hudson kicked off the night with maybe the best rendition of the national anthem I’ve ever heard, and promptly joined by up-and-coming belter Jessie J. When Carrie Underwood took the stage and sang “Before He Cheats,” thousands of women screamed the lyrics with her, but the screaming for Rihanna started even before she walked out. The women who came before her set the bar for vocals high, and Rihanna hit it.

She rose like a Phoenix from the criticism about her vocals, and shone brightly like a DIA-MOND. Watch for yourself here:

More in Culture

Life
What is an aging face supposed to look like?What is an aging face supposed to look like?
Life

When bodies and appearances are malleable, what does that mean for the person underneath?

By Allie Volpe
Video
What would J.R.R. Tolkien think of Palantir?What would J.R.R. Tolkien think of Palantir?
Play
Video

How The Lord of the Rings lore helps explain the mysterious tech company.

By Benjamin Stephen
Climate
The climate crisis is coming for your groceriesThe climate crisis is coming for your groceries
Climate

Extreme heat is already wiping out soy, coffee, berries, and Christmas trees. Farm animals and humans are suffering too.

By Ayurella Horn-Muller
Future Perfect
The surprisingly strong case for feeling great about your coffee habitThe surprisingly strong case for feeling great about your coffee habit
Future Perfect

Your morning coffee is one of modern life’s underrated miracles.

By Bryan Walsh
Good Medicine
Do health influencers actually know what they’re talking about?Do health influencers actually know what they’re talking about?
Good Medicine

Most health influencers don’t have real credentials — but they are more influential than ever.

By Dylan Scott
Life
Why banning kids from AI isn’t the answerWhy banning kids from AI isn’t the answer
Life

What kids really need in the age of artificial intelligence.

By Anna North