To open the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, Rihanna took the stage to accept the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award and kick off the performances of the night. Wearing an all-pink ensemble featuring a Hood By Air tee and Dior sunglasses, the pop star played a medley of "Please Don't Stop the Music," "Only Girl in the World," "We Found Love," and "Where Have You Been." Rihanna is slated to perform three more times throughout the night. Watch the first performance below.
For her second performance, Rihanna came out in a du-rag to perform a remix medley of "Rude Boy," "What's My Name," and "Work." The singer was surrounded by tons of wining bodies to emulate the club in the "Work" video. Watch the second performance below.
For Rihanna's third appearance of the night, the pop star performed her ANTI hit, "Needed Me," followed by "Pour It Up," and "Bitch Better Have My Money."
Mary J. Blige introduced Rihanna's fourth and final performance. "Here's a little girl who came from a small island," said Mary J. "My girl, your girl, Rihanna." Rih emerged in a ball gown to performed "Stay," "Diamonds," and "Love on the Brain" with a backing band complete with a horn section.
After the performance, Drake made a surprise appearance on stage to give Rihanna a touching speech and her Video Vanguard award. Drake also confessed that he had been in love with her since he was 22 years old.
