SHE CAME, SHE SAW, SHE CONQUERED

June 24, 2011

And she didn't do it quietly.

Bringing her LOUD tour to Vancouver, the Barbados-born stunner opened the first of two shows Friday night and brought down Rogers Arena.

Backing up her image with talent and energy, the show was everything Rihanna from the sound to the dancing, from the costumes to the spunk. It was everything her fans had hoped for, and by the end of the night the stiletto clad crowd had screamed themselves hoarse.

Rapper J. Cole opened the show, followed by B.o.B. who delivered an awesome set to the packed building. The charming rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer entertained with a bevy hits including "Nothin' on You", "Airplanes", and "Price Tag".

The Vancouver crowd was warmed up and ready to dance when the lights went down for the main attraction. Smoke poured onto the stage and four giant circular screens rose up from the stage.

Surrounded by tight and bright dancers—80s enthusiasts would have been neon green with envy—wrapped in a metallic blue mini trench coat Rihanna stepped out of an clear orb and into "Only Girl (In the World)", which was appropriate as she was the only female that anyone had eyes for tonight.

Armed with her latest album LOUD, her fifth since 2005, Rihanna doled out some magic all her own, treating fans to new music, taking them back through Rihanna staples, and turning in a high tempo and captivating performance.

Switching gears for "Disturbia" and "Shut Up and Drive" the singer, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, shed her coat revealing a high-waisted bikini that had seemingly been bedazzled with an eclectic mix of mult-coloured baubles.

"Hard" off 2009's Rated R featured the singer sitting atop a neon pink tank gun in a makeshift military outfit that quickly fell away showing off a short mini that appeared to be made of shiny dog tags.

Moving into the crowd, Rihanna danced to the opposite end of the stadium floor where she treated fans to a drum solo, before launching into "Run This Town", a collaboration with Jay-Z and Kayne West.

She transitioned seamlessly into "Live Your Life", a song that seems to perfectly capture Rihanna's outlook. Not held back by anyone, the 23 year old has taken control of her image and sound, and continues to forge her own path. Tonight fans at Rogers Arena enjoyed the product of her R&B and Caribbean infused music and fun-loving, free spirit.

It was mission accomplished—the Vancouver crowd had fallen quickly, they'd fallen hard, and were under Rihanna's spell. Taking a bow she bid a final farewell, at least until tomorrow night.