Fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment with Rihanna’s recent karaoke performance in New York City. The pop star, who hasn’t released an album since 2016, sang her hits “Needed Me” and “Sex With Me” at the Girls Love Karaoke event. However, her vocals were met with criticism.
One user commented, “Chii [sic] the mic was bleeding,” while another said, “Help this is horrible.” A third fan questioned her singing ability, stating, “I didn’t know singing a simple note was this hard.” Some even doubted it was really her, with one remarking, “Is this really Rihanna? My cat can sing better.” Another added, “That voice is gone.”

Despite the backlash, some fans defended Rihanna. One supporter noted, “Awee she’s having fun,” and another compared her voice to Whitney Houston’s. However, others were frustrated that she was performing karaoke instead of releasing new music. A fan expressed their disappointment, writing, “So she wanna f–k around with karaoke instead of getting her ass in the booth. wtf Rihanna.”
Rihanna attended the event in a casual outfit, wearing a graphic T-shirt, jeans, and Bottega Veneta boots, paired with an oversized brown fur hat.

Recently, she hinted at a possible shift away from music, saying, “Music was the thing that got the attention, but God had other plans for me.” Although she teased new music in 2019, Rihanna has been focusing on her Savage X Fenty and Fenty Beauty brands.