Red-hot Rihanna rocks and shocks the O2

HAVING started the British leg of her loud tour with an unceremonious eviction from a farmer’s field in Bangor, Rihanna was back where she belongs last night — centre stage and belting out her hits to a packed arena.

Following three sell-out, albeit late-running nights at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena, the 23-year-old Barbadian (real name Robyn Rihanna Fenty) showed up on time and rocked Dublin’s O2 in a two-hour, over the top showcase of everything she does best: Catchy pop songs, steamy outfits and raunchy performances.

Never one to shy away from controversy, Rihanna’s 2010 X-factor appearance led to thousands of complaints, as did her X-rated S&M video earlier this year.

From the moment she arrived on stage last night, wearing an electric blue mini trench coat and hot pink stiletto boots, belting our number one hit Only Girl (in the world), it was clear she had no intention of toning things down.

Mairead Desmond, who travelled to the O2 from Bantry, Co Cork, with 15-year-old daughter Sinead, acknowledges Rihanna’s controversial image.

“That’s all part of her act. She’s no different to how Madonna was in my time. Of course teenagers are influenced by celebrities like Rihanna, so it’s important for parents to retain some control and try to rein it in,” she says.

“Rihanna is no more outrageous than Lady Gaga, or many other female artists.”

Packing in hits like Umbrella, Whats My Name, Love The Way You Lie, and newer numbers like the sexy Skin, Rihanna’s energy is undeniable. Her outfit — arguably more worthy of comment than her vocals — included a revealing neon bikini, a metallic silver mini-dress and plenty of black leather.

For the slower numbers she almost managed to look demure in a floaty, full-length yellow gown.

The most outrageous numbers included a cover of Prince’s Darling Nikki, for which she dressed in a tux, spanked and groped female dancers.

During S&M, the tux was stripped off, revealing a bondage corset and handcuffs. If the packed O2 arena wasn’t feeling the heat before this part of the set, it certainly was after.

Rihanna has recently stated that she wants to be the black Madonna. Love her or loathe her, with her ability to shock, inspire and entertain, she certainly appears to be a worthy contender.