Justin Bieber recently shared his sentiments about missing his longtime friend Rihanna's singing after she made a surprise appearance at the Girls Love Karaoke event in New York City on December 28, 2024. During the event, Rihanna performed two of her well-loved tracks, "Needed Me" and "Sex With Me," from her 2016 album, Anti, igniting excitement among her fans.
Bieber, 30, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm and took to Instagram Stories on January 3, 2025, to express his feelings. Sharing footage of Rihanna’s karaoke performance, he captioned it, “Missed seein u sing Queen,” accompanied by crown and goat emojis, which showcased his adoration and support for the Fenty founder.
Footage circulating online revealed Rihanna exuding joy and spontaneity as she sang at the event. The singer playfully informed the audience, "Don’t do too much because, you know, I got five minutes. My battery’s about to burn out. There’s a lot of cameras. I didn’t come here for this s–t," highlighting her humor and relatable nature.
The atmosphere during Rihanna's performance was electric, as attendees, including notable performers like Trey Songz, voiced their amazement. Fans quickly took to social media to share their thoughts, and one remarked, “Imagine going to karaoke night and you get a free Rihanna performance.” Others rejoiced at the pop diva’s willingness to entertain, regardless of the karaoke setting.
Despite some criticisms of her karaoke vocals, many defended her, noting the charm of her unexpected performance. One fan succinctly stated, “Say what you about Rihanna’s singing at a drunken karaoke event, she will always be THAT GIRL,” affirming the enduring appeal and talent of the artist.
Rihanna, now 36, has kept her fans anticipating new music for quite some time. After releasing Anti nearly nine years ago, the singer has been nurturing other interests, including her successful businesses. Yet, there remains behind-the-scenes excitement about her future projects. Rihanna has teased her upcoming work, indicating she isn’t done with music just yet.
During interviews, she discussed the pressures she feels surrounding her music and how it can sometimes impede her creative process. She stated, "It's not the right way to look at music because music is an outlet and space to create. It doesn't have to be on any scale. It just has to be something that's fun.”
While the industry holds its breath for her next move, fans like Justin Bieber vocalize their hopes and support for her return. Bieber has encouraged Rihanna to reconnect with her musical roots, reinforcing the intimate bond and shared history they have experienced throughout their careers.
A few months prior to the karaoke performance, Rihanna hinted at her retirement from music by wearing apparel labeled “I'm Retired,” which alarmed many of her dedicated followers. Nevertheless, she clarified her comments, stating, "People got triggered with the word retired. I think music is new discovery for me; I’m rediscovering things.”
She expressed her commitment to returning to the studio, prepared to embrace her craft with fresh ears. Rihanna’s candid conversation about her artistic process has only fueled her fans’ hopes for her next album, with whispers across social media platforms vibrating with anticipation.
Justin Bieber’s shout-out to Rihanna is just one of many instances where fans and friends alike are expressing their longing for her return to the music scene. The affirmation from her fellow superstar only highlights the communal sentiment around Rihanna’s creative hiatus and inspires renewed enthusiasm for her eventual comeback.
Rihanna concludes her karaoke night with cheers and laughter, leaving behind memories for those fortunate enough to witness her remarkable talent up close. With anticipation mounting, Justin Bieber's simple yet heartfelt message echoes the shared excitement as fans wonder, will Rihanna sing again? Only time will tell.