A Lucrative Gig Amidst Controversy
Rihanna’s reported $6.4 million (£5 million) paycheck for a 90-minute set at a pre-wedding bash in India has sparked a frenzy of reactions, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the singer’s perceived energy during her performance.
The highly anticipated event, celebrating the forthcoming nuptials of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, attracted a star-studded guest list, including Mark Zuckerberg, Ivanka Trump, and renowned Bollywood celebrities.
“Rihanna really said she’s doing the bare minimum, collecting her check and go.” – Twitter user
Footage from the event, which surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), ignited a heated debate among Rihanna’s fans.
A Staggering Fee and Prestigious Event
Rihanna’s reported $6.4 million fee for the pre-wedding celebration, hosted by India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani (with a net worth of $114 billion), raised eyebrows.
The extravagant event, spanning three days, is estimated to have cost a staggering $120 million, setting the stage for a grand celebration of the union between Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant.
A Triumphant Return to the Stage
Despite the criticism, Rihanna acknowledged the significance of the occasion, expressing her gratitude to the Ambani family and wishing the couple well.
“Thanks to that Ambani family, I’m here tonight in honor of Anant and Radhika. Thank you for having me here. God bless your union. I wish you all the best. Congratulations!” she said during her performance.
“I haven’t done a real show for eight years. So I wanna come back.” – Rihanna
The event marked Rihanna’s return to the stage after an eight-year hiatus, a milestone she acknowledged with enthusiasm, expressing her desire to continue performing live shows.
A Polarizing Performance and Anticipation for New Music
While some fans expressed disappointment with Rihanna’s perceived lack of enthusiasm, others defended her, citing the substantial paycheck as justification for a “bare minimum” performance.
Regardless of the polarizing reactions, the event has reignited anticipation for new music from the multi-talented artist, who recently hinted at the possibility of dropping a new album soon.
As the buzz surrounding Rihanna’s lucrative pre-wedding performance continues to swirl, one thing is certain: her enduring starpower and ability to captivate audiences remain undiminished, even in the face of controversy.