Rihanna Criticized For Performing At '£5 Million' Wedding Of Billionaire Couple

Rihanna showing up for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding blowout sounded like a guaranteed headline moment. But once the clip hit social media, the vibe flipped from “legendary guest” to “wait, that’s it?”

This three-day Ambani celebration is already stacked, with more than 1,000 attendees including Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Ivanka Trump, and reports claiming a £5 million price tag for Rihanna’s rare performance. So when fans watched her sing “We Found Love” and said it looked like she brought little energy, the comments turned into a full-on roast. Some people even threw shade about “rent was due,” while others argued the outrage didn’t make sense.

Still, if you’re wondering how a 19-song setlist ended up sparking “bare minimum” accusations, here’s the full story.

If someone’s shelling out a whopping £5 million for a performance at a lavish wedding bash, expectations run high.

From mesmerizing dancers to thrilling fire acts, attendees anticipate an extravaganza akin to a half-Cirque du Soleil show. Or, in the case of Anant Ambani, son of India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, just the presence of Rihanna suffices.

Anant is tying the knot with his long-time girlfriend, Radhika Merchant, prompting the Ambani family to host a grand three-day celebration over the weekend.

That’s when the “We Found Love” clip from Rihanna’s Ambani gig started getting dissected in the comment section by people who expected a half-Cirque du Soleil level performance.</p>

This pre-wedding extravaganza boasts a guest list of over 1,000 attendees, including notable figures like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Ivanka Trump. Commencing on March 1st, reports from MailOnline reveal that the Ambani family spared no expense, shelling out £5 million for a rare performance by Rihanna.

However, as videos of her performance surface on social media platforms, some fans have criticized the pop sensation for delivering what they deem the 'bare minimum.' One fan shared a clip of Rihanna belting out her 2011 hit collaboration with Calvin Harris, 'We Found Love,' prompting humorous reactions from followers.

Among the replies, one fan quipped, "She got that makeup coin. She’s doing this for change, lol. Charity, if you will."

Then the jokes got sharper, with fans comparing it to “makeup coin” and “rent was due,” right alongside the Ambani wedding guest list flexing names like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.</p>

Rihanna at the £5 million Ambani wedding has fans watching every detail, but it also mirrors the argument over covering a friend’s concert ticket after her luxury shopping spree.

In response to the underwhelmed reactions, another commenter remarked, "Rent was due. She didn’t care."

Critics expressed sentiments that Rihanna appeared disinterested and lacked energy during her performance, with one commenter suggesting, "Please, she doesn’t even remember what performing is like. She forgot she was a singer." Another questioned, "Did she even want to be there?"

Nevertheless, amidst the criticism, some of Rihanna's loyal fans came to her defense, questioning why there was such outrage in the comment section.

Despite the mixed reviews, Rihanna reportedly delivered a 19-song setlist for the wedding performance, featuring crowd favorites like ‘Rude Boy,’ ‘Diamonds,’ ‘Where Have You Been,’ and ‘Umbrella.’

Addressing the esteemed audience in India, Rihanna expressed her gratitude, stating: “Thanks to the Ambani family, I'm here tonight... In honor of Anant and Radhika’s wedding... Thank you for having me here. May God bless your union. I wish you all the best. Congratulations.”

It's worth noting that Rihanna's appearances at performance events have become increasingly rare. Last year, she made headlines with her Super Bowl halftime performance, during which she revealed her pregnancy with her second child—a surprise for fans who were anticipating news of a new album and tour.

And despite the backlash, the reports say she still delivered a 19-song setlist with hits like “Rude Boy,” “Diamonds,” and “Umbrella,” which is where the whole controversy gets extra messy.</p>

Prior to the Super Bowl gig in 2023, Rihanna's last live televised performance was at the Grammys in 2018.

Nobody expects a £5 million moment to come with a side of “bare minimum” allegations.

For more fallout over last-minute concert plans, read what happened after friends ditched them in this Reddit debate.