Rihanna Returns to Stage at Jay-Z's New York Concert After Two-Year Break

Rihanna made a surprise return to the stage during Jay-Z's Extra Innings concert at Yankee Stadium in New York, marking her first live performance since her appearance at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding celebrations in India in 2024.

The singer joined Jay-Z during the final night of his three-show residency and performed their Grammy-winning collaboration Run This Town. She then delighted fans with a solo performance of her 2015 hit Bitch Better Have My Money.

Speaking to the cheering crowd, Rihanna admitted she was a little out of practice after her long break from live performances.

"Y'all know I'm rusty, right? It's been a while. Y'all with me right now?"

Before leaving the stage, she thanked fans and added:

"I missed this s**t, y'all! New York, I love you guys!"

Jay-Z apologises after delayed concert

The concert experienced a significant delay after large crowds reportedly breached security barriers outside Yankee Stadium. The show, originally scheduled to begin at 8 PM, eventually started shortly after midnight.

According to reports, Jay-Z explained that organisers delayed the performance to ensure everyone's safety after thousands of fans gathered outside the venue.

He apologised to the audience and thanked them for their patience before beginning the concert.

Star-studded finale

Jay-Z's Extra Innings residency featured several surprise celebrity appearances throughout its three-night run.

Apart from Rihanna, the final concert also included performances by:

• Beyoncé
• Eminem
• Pharrell Williams
• Usher
• Teyana Taylor
• Jermaine Dupri

Rihanna and Jay-Z's long association

Jay-Z has played a major role in Rihanna's career since signing her to Def Jam Recordings in 2005. Over the years, the duo has collaborated on several hit songs, including Umbrella and Run This Town, while continuing to work together through Roc Nation.

Rihanna's latest appearance also marks her first public live performance since March 2024, when she headlined the lavish pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Jamnagar.

Before that, she performed at the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show, where she famously revealed her second pregnancy.

The Grammy-winning singer recently welcomed her third child, Rocki Irish Mayers, with longtime partner A$AP Rocky.

Key Highlights

• Rihanna made a surprise appearance at Jay-Z's Yankee Stadium concert.
• The performance marked her first live show since the Ambani pre-wedding celebrations in 2024.
• She performed Run This Town with Jay-Z and Bitch Better Have My Money solo.
• Rihanna joked with fans that she was "rusty" after her long break from performing.
• Jay-Z's concert was delayed due to a security incident outside the venue.
• Beyoncé, Eminem, Pharrell Williams, Usher and Teyana Taylor also appeared during the residency.

FAQs

Why did Rihanna perform at Jay-Z's concert?

Rihanna made a surprise guest appearance during Jay-Z's final Extra Innings concert at Yankee Stadium, performing two of her popular songs.

Which songs did Rihanna perform?

She performed Run This Town alongside Jay-Z and her solo hit Bitch Better Have My Money.

Was this Rihanna's first performance after the Ambani event?

Yes. It was Rihanna's first public live performance since headlining Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding celebrations in India in March 2024.

Why was Jay-Z's concert delayed?

The concert was delayed after a large crowd reportedly breached security outside Yankee Stadium, prompting organisers to temporarily halt entry for safety reasons.

Who else performed at Jay-Z's Extra Innings residency?

The residency featured surprise appearances by Beyoncé, Eminem, Pharrell Williams, Usher, Teyana Taylor and Jermaine Dupri.

How long has Rihanna worked with Jay-Z?

Jay-Z signed Rihanna to Def Jam Recordings in 2005 and has collaborated with her on several hit songs throughout her career.