Justin Bieber reacts to Rihanna’s surprise karaoke: ‘Missed seeing you sing’

It’s been years since Rihanna released an album, and fans worldwide have eagerly awaited her return to music—including none other than Justin Bieber. The global pop sensation recently surprised attendees at the Girls Love Karaoke event by performing some of her hits, reigniting excitement about her voice and talent.

A Surprise Performance That Went Viral

At the karaoke event, Rihanna treated fans to live renditions of “Needed Me” and “Sex with Me” from her iconic 2016 album, Anti. Videos of her impromptu performance quickly circulated on social media, catching the attention of Justin Bieber, who took to Instagram to express his admiration.

Sharing a clip of Rihanna’s karaoke moment, Bieber captioned his Instagram Story, “Missed seeing you sing Queen.” This heartfelt message resonated with fans, many of whom echoed Bieber’s sentiments. One fan commented, “The best thing to happen this year,” while another added, “Even Bieber misses you, girl!”

Star-Studded Night at Girls Love Karaoke

The event wasn’t just a showcase for Rihanna’s return to the microphone—it was a star-studded affair. Trey Songz also performed, while other notable attendees included rappers Fabolous, Maino, Pardison Fontaine, and Dave East. The night was filled with electric energy, reminding everyone of Rihanna’s unique presence in the music world.

A Long Wait for New Music

Rihanna’s last studio album, Anti, was released in 2016, marking a significant gap in her music career. In the years since, she has focused on other ventures, including her Fenty Beauty brand and acting. Fans have frequently asked about her next album, often referred to as R9, but Rihanna has only offered subtle hints about its progress.

Her last major musical contribution was the 2022 single “Lift Me Up” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, which showcased her emotive and powerful vocals. While this single reignited hope for new music, Rihanna has maintained a deliberate pace in her return to the studio.

Rihanna’s Vision for R9

In an interview with Extra! in the spring of 2024, Rihanna spoke candidly about her approach to her next album. “It’s going to be incredible. It has to be—that’s the only reason it’s not out yet,” she explained. “If I don’t feel it, and it doesn’t represent the evolution and the time I’ve taken, then it won’t come out. It has to reflect growth, right?”

Fans have interpreted this as a promise that her next release will be worth the wait—a project that embodies her personal and artistic development over nearly a decade.

Bieber’s Tribute and Fan Excitement

Justin Bieber’s comment adds to the growing anticipation surrounding Rihanna’s next move in music. As one of the industry’s biggest stars, Bieber’s acknowledgment underscores the lasting impact Rihanna has had on her peers and fans alike.

For many, her surprise karaoke performance is a glimpse of the magic that awaits with her return. As fans eagerly speculate about the release of R9, moments like these remind the world of why Rihanna remains one of the most beloved artists of her generation.