Virtual Festivals:Closing Wireless festival for 2012, Rihanna is challenged with bringing the mother of all parties. As you’d expect, she doesn’t disappoint, bringing a taste of Egypt to Hyde Park with her backdrop.
Performing in front of a sphinx with glowing red eyes, she struts through a flawless set with ease, despite seemingly suffering from a sore throat. ‘Only Girl (In The World)’ opens the show to huge cheers, setting the pace for the rest of the night.
‘Take A Bow’ and ‘Love The Way You Lie’ aside, tonight’s performance is all about the dancing. We get a filthy ‘S&M’, an air-punching ‘Don’t Stop The Music’ and a raunchy ‘Talk That Talk’. By the time ‘Umbrella’ comes around, the rain that’s lingered over the day has disappeared but that doesn’t stop the crowd from raising their own umbrellas in salute.
All too soon it’s the end but Rihanna’s not about to go quietly. Ticker tape falls from the sky, fireworks squeal into the sky and ‘We Found Love’ sees the whole of Hyde Park go crazy in the mud. A perfect end to the weekend.
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