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Instead of putting on one career-spanning performance of hits, as per tradition for the award, the pop star gave viewers four such performances over the course of the show.
Rihanna opened the VMAs by running through hit singles like "Only Girl in The World" and "Where Have You Been."
Her second performance, a "dancehall medley," included "Rude Boy" and her 2016 chart-topper "Work."
Rihanna - Dancehall PerformanceCheck out Rihanna's #VMAs dancehall medley.
Posted by MTV on Sunday, August 28, 2016
Then she performed hits "Needed Me," "Pour It Up," and "B---- Better Have My Money."
Rihanna's "BBHMM" was so, so good.
Posted by MTV on Sunday, August 28, 2016
Rihanna concluded the night with her 2012 ballad "Stay," a brief interlude of "Diamonds," and her doo-wop song "Love on the Brain" from her 2016 album "Anti."
Rihanna, you sang your heart out during your last performance.
Posted by MTV on Sunday, August 28, 2016