With a celebrity-studded crowd looking on, Rihanna rocked the halftime show at the NBA All-Star game on her 23rd birthday.
She had other big names helping her sing her hits Sunday, with Drake joining in on “What’s My Name?” and working “happy birthday” into the lyrics. Dripping in gold chains, a red-clad Kanye West came out for “All of the Lights,” which is off his latest album but features Rihanna.
At halftime, the lights inside Staples Center went out and the video screens filled with water droplets, setting the stage for Rihanna to emerge from behind a wall singing “Umbrella.”
The red-haired singer soon shed her short black suit jacket and white scarf to reveal a short black skirt and a rhinestone halter. She shimmied her way through “Only Girl (In the World)” and didn’t flinch when her huge hoop earring fell off her left ear in mid-song.
While it was a working day for Rihanna, her fellow music stars relaxed in their seats while watching the 60th annual All-Star game. The West team, led by Kobe Bryant’s 37 points, defeated the East 148-143.
Beyonce and hubby Jay-Z sat courtside, with Justin Bieber (MVP of Friday’s All-Star celebrity game) two seats away. Sean “Diddy” Combs, Stevie Wonder (wearing headphones), Grammy winner Bruno Mars, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo, Gene Simmons, and “American Idol” judge Steven Tyler were scattered around the arena. Rapper Nicki Minaj snacked on pink cotton candy.
Later, Rihanna sat courtside next to 16-year-old Bieber, making for a striking contrast between her flaming long hair and his famous shaggy ‘do.
