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Proof that Rihanna can sing, in one video

Rihanna performs onstage during “The Concert For Valor” at The National Mall on November 11, 2014 in Washington, DC.
Rihanna performs onstage during “The Concert For Valor” at The National Mall on November 11, 2014 in Washington, DC.
Rihanna performs onstage during “The Concert For Valor” at The National Mall on November 11, 2014 in Washington, DC.
Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for HBO

Bad girl pop star Rihanna performed on the National Mall last night, during a star-studded concert in honor of Veteran’s Day. She floated out like a beautiful sparkly superhero, then sang three songs before handing the stage over to Eminem. And girl proved that she can actually sing, despite the rumors that she can’t.

Rihanna’s performance came at the end of a night filled with some amazing vocalists. The crowd on the National Mall was packed together when Jennifer Hudson kicked off the night with maybe the best rendition of the national anthem I’ve ever heard, and promptly joined by up-and-coming belter Jessie J. When Carrie Underwood took the stage and sang “Before He Cheats,” thousands of women screamed the lyrics with her, but the screaming for Rihanna started even before she walked out. The women who came before her set the bar for vocals high, and Rihanna hit it.

She rose like a Phoenix from the criticism about her vocals, and shone brightly like a DIA-MOND. Watch for yourself here:

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