Headlining a pair of 55,000-capacity weekend concerts at Twickenham Stadium is a major achievement for a pop act. So even with some empty seats last night, 25-year-old Rihanna can probably be forgiven her boastful send-off during the encore.
"You're watching the youngest person to ever touch this stage," the Barbadian singer claimed. "You're making history with me."
It didn't quite feel historic and at times Rihanna even appeared a bit bored, as you might expect from someone who's rattled off seven albums in as many years and tours relentlessly.
"London, I get to see you guys more than my own family," she said, though they were in the crowd this weekend and Rihanna sang her dad a song for Father's Day.
As her penchant for casually singing over the top of her own records at shows suggests, Rihanna wasn't the most vigorous performer and she looked dead-eyed during the dreary Numb. At least things warmed up on the reggae-tinged No Love Allowed and Man Down, which brought the Bajan carnival spirit to Twickenham.
The show was ultimately saved by the slick production values and capable band, several key hits and some diverting costume changes, including a sheer top, embroidered satin shorts and thigh high boots as well as a garish bustier and leggings combo.
A crotch-grabbing routine during the second song, Birthday Cake, and a sprinkling of swear words might have troubled parents with children but Rihanna was, mercifully, less reliant on raunchiness here than previous shows.
As dusk settled, she found her voice on the strutting Rude Boy, roused the massive audience with What's My Name? and charmed us with Umbrella, which still prompts fans to produce their brollies in tribute to her breakthrough hit.
With flames erupting on stage, Rihanna held her arms aloft during her big, emotional pop ballad What Now, featuring an admirably robust vocal.
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The audience eagerly obeyed her instruction to "get crazy" during slamming dance tune We Found Love. Having done just about enough, she promised to come back soon. Perhaps not too soon, though; Rihanna deserves a break and so do we.
