Rihanna brought an international feel to a very British gig last night, arriving on a steampunk pirate ship to join Chris Martin and his Coldplay bandmates at the Paralympics Closing Ceremony.
Many on Twitter immediately asked what a non-Brit was doing celebrating the close of the London Games, particularly as every other performer chosen by Danny Boyle and Co all had UK passports.
Rihanna was Coldplay's "special guest"
As well as joining Coldplay for their joint number Princess of China, she sang her own massive hit We Found Love, and then joined in with Jay-Z and Coldplay for an energetic rendition of Run This Town.
The Barbadian singer, as known for her raunchy image as for her singing skills, had the nouse, however, to cover up in a striking orange outfit, so that any chat of inappropriate dressage didn't overshadow the event, as had happened to her previously on X Factor and at the Brit Awards. Her freshly-cropped barnet also added to the overall look of a singer who wished to be taken more seriously than usual.
All in all, the star did nothing to dent her enormous fanbase, and may well have recruited some new converts with her display of stadium-sized charisma and ability to match some of the biggest stars in the world note for note.
What did you think of Rihanna's performance at the Closing Ceremony? Below is a round-up of some of the earliest feedback. Share yours in the Comments section too...
Rihanna At The Paralympics Closing Ceremony
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Here's a round-up of some of the first feedback on Rihanna's big gig...
The Sun:
Pop princess Rihanna wowed the crowd by performing a duet with Chris before appearing on a giant swing to sing We Found Love. More here...
The Mail:
The entrance of Rihanna after eight Coldplay songs was no doubt a welcome relief for people who weren't fans of the rock band. More here...
The Guardian:
The same was true of Rihanna's solo appearance. We Found Love is a decent pop song that's become rather a victim of its own success: one way of giving it some added interest in the teeth of its ubiquity is to have her perform it while flying around the stadium on what looked like a vast garden swing. More here...
The Telegraph:
Rihanna demurely flew in on a swing to liven things up with her hit We Found Love and later Jay Z joined them on Run This Town. The band were also self-effacing enough to leave the stage show to nearly 2,000 volunteer performers and professional dancers who writhed ecstatically around them, giving the night a decidedly prog-rock feel. More here...
The Paralympic Closing Ceremony
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Fireworks are let off to signal the end of the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Fireworks are let off during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Fireworks are let off during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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The fireworks go off at the end of the closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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The fireworks go off at the end of the closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London (credit:PA)
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*ALTERNATE CROP* Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony, London. (credit:PA)
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Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony, London. (credit:PA)
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Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony, London. (credit:PA)
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Rihanna and Coldplay perform during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Members of the public watch a fireworks display from London Bridge, to celebrate the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony in London. (credit:PA)
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Rihanna performs during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Rihanna and Coldplay perform during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Rihanna performs during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Rihanna performs during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Coldplay and Rihanna duet during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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A scene during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Coldplay perform during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Coldplay perform during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Chris Martin of Coldplay during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Jonny Buckland of Coldplay performs during the closing ceremony on day 11 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron (left) and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at the Olympic Stadium for the closing ceremony of the London Paralympic Games. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron (left) and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at the Olympic Stadium for the closing ceremony of the London Paralympic Games. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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A performer during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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An inflatable Paralympic Agitos during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Captain Luke Sinnott climbs a flag pole during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: The Union Flag is raised during the closing ceremony on day 11 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: The Paralympic cauldron flame burns as performers carry torches during the closing ceremony on day 11 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Pyrotechnics burn during the closing ceremony on day 11 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Flag bearers carry their national flags during the closing ceremony on day 11 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Pyrotechnics burn during the closing ceremony on day 11 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and President of the IPC Sir Philip Craven MBE arrive in the arena during the closing ceremony on day 11 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A performer during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Coldplay perform during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (left), arrives with IPC President Sir Philip Craven during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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A scene during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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General View of performers during the closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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General View of performers during the closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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General View of performers during the closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Ireland's Michael McKillop (top left) is seen above the heat haze from the flame after receiving his gold medal for being named the best athlete who best exemplified the spirit of the Paralympics, during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Lance Corporal Rory Mackenzie gives a speech during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Lance Corporal Rory Mackenzie gives a speech during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Great Britain's flag bearers Sarah Storey and David Weir during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Captain Luke Sinnot climbs a flag pole during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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An inflatable Paralympic Agitos during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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The Earl of Wessex arrives during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Ireland's Michael McKillop receives the Whang Youn Dai Award during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Great Britain's flag bearers David Weir (centre left) and Sarah Storey (centre right) during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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A scene during the London 2012 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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A general view during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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A general view during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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A scene during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex arrives during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Lissa Hermans sings the national anthem at the London 2012 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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A scene during the London 2012 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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A scene during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: A general view of the stadium prior to the Closing Ceremony on day 11 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Tthe Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. Photo by Getty Images
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Tthe Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. Photo by Getty Images
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Tthe Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. Photo by Getty Images
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Tthe Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. Photo by Getty Images
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Tthe Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. Photo by Getty Images
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Tthe Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. Photo by Getty Images
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: The sun sets over the Olympic Park ahead of the the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
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The closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in east London on September 9, 2012.Photo :AFP/GettyImages) (credit:AFP/Getty)
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The closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in east London on September 9, 2012.Photo :AFP/GettyImages) (credit:AFP/Getty)
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The closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in east London on September 9, 2012.Photo :AFP/GettyImages) (credit:AFP/Getty)
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The closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in east London on September 9, 2012.Photo :AFP/GettyImages) (credit:AFP/Getty)
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A view of the Paralympic flag as the Olympic Stadium prepares for the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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A view of the Olympic Stadium before the start of the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, London. (credit:PA)
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The closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in east London on September 9, 2012.Photo :AFP/GettyImages) (credit:AFP/Getty)
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The closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in east London on September 9, 2012.Photo :AFP/GettyImages) (credit:AFP/Getty)
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The closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in east London on September 9, 2012.Photo :AFP/GettyImages) (credit:AFP/Getty)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Rihanna performs with Chris Martin of Coldplay during the closing ceremony on day 11 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)--
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Rihanna performs with Chris Martin of Coldplay during the closing ceremony on day 11 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)--
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Rihanna performs with Chris Martin of Coldplay during the closing ceremony on day 11 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)--
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Rihanna performs with Chris Martin of Coldplay during the closing ceremony on day 11 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)--
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Rihanna performs during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:David Davies/PA Wire)
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General view the Olympic flame during the closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:EMPICS Sport/EMPICS Sport)
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Brazil perform during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:Chris Radburn/PA Wire)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:Chris Radburn/PA Wire)
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Athletes take photos as Rihanna performs during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:Chris Radburn/PA Wire)
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Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony, London. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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Performers during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:Chris Radburn/PA Wire)
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Jay Z, Rihanna and Chris Martin perform during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:Lynne Cameron/PA Wire)
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Jay Z, Rihanna and Chris Martin of Coldplay perform during the Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:Lynne Cameron/PA Wire)