Lift Me Up

Rihanna Has Reportedly Inked A $32 Million Deal With Live Nation To Kickstart Her Comeback, But Fans Aren’t Buying It

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Rihanna New York City 2023
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Despite Drake’s best attempt to rain on Rihanna and ASAP Rocky’s post-baby bliss (with a messy diss record), the pair remain unbothered. After the track was released, fans rushed to social media, hoping that the two would issue a response to Drake’s throwaway bars. Although they have yet to do so, that day may soon come. Rocky’s forthcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb, is nearly complete, and according to Mirror, Rihanna is gearing up for a significant comeback.

The outlet alleged that Rihanna inked a $32 million deal with Live Nation to kickstart her return. In the report, they suggested that the deal terms included a world tour. But with no album out, such a venture wouldn’t make sense. However, the publisher suggested that Rihanna will drop two new albums over the next two years.

Following her Super Bowl LVII halftime show performance, Rihanna told British Vogue she planned to drop a new album in 2023. However, her second pregnancy put that on the back burner.

“I want it to be this year,” she said at the time. “Honestly, it’d be ridiculous if it’s not this year. But I just want to have fun. I just want to make music and make videos. And I need the right background music with the visuals. I can’t just go shoot a video of me talking.”

Fans took to social media to react to the alleged news. Check out a few of them below.

Rihanna’s ‘Lift Me Up’ Performance At The Oscars Garnered The Singer A Standing Ovation, And Rightfully So

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Rihanna Oscars 2023 Performance
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Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII performance may have sparked quite a few (unjustifiable) compliments to the FCC, there’s no one complaining about her performance during tonight’s (March 12) 2023 Oscars ceremony. Gleaming with immaculately jeweled costuming and pregnancy bliss, performed “Lift Me Up” from Wakanda 2: Wakanda Forever.

The moving tribute track to the late actor Chadwick Boseman brought the entertainer out of musical retirement. With her baby bump on full display, Rihanna took the stage built out to resemble the breathtaking nature shots shown in the film. Backed by a full orchestra and a host of background singers, the singer belted out the emotional lyrics to the song, which was rewarded with a standing ovation after her conclusion.

Watch the full performance of “Lift Me Up” below.

When asked about what went into creating the tribute track, co-writer Tems said, “After speaking with [director Ryan Coogler] and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them. Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”

Rihanna Performs “Lift Me Up” From “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” At Oscars

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Rihanna performed her song, “Lift Me Up,” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack at the 95th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday night. It was her first live performance since taking the stage at Super Bowl LVII, earlier this year. On stage, she rocked a black bra embellished with crystals over matching black pants. Her partner, A$AP Rocky, watched on from the audience.

“Lift Me Up” was nominated for Best Original Song, alongside Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick, “This Is a Life” from Everything Everywhere All at Once, “Naatu Naatu” from RRR, and “Applause” from Tell It like a Woman. “Naatu Naatu” ended up taking home the award.

Rihanna On Stage At The Oscars

Barbadian singer-songwriter and actress Rihanna performs “Lift Me Up” from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

Black Panther director Ryan Coogler previously spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about convincing Rihanna to take the job. He said that her experience with becoming a mother made her a perfect fit. “It’s her experience with loss in there, and her being a mother,” he said. “She’s a new person now. [Parenthood] changes you to your core. I hear it in her voice. It’s her, but it’s a new her.”

Composer Ludwig Göransson also reflected on working on the song with Rihanna during an essay for Variety. “For the first time in six years, Rihanna returned to the studio, and I had never heard her voice sound like this before. There was a new kind of conviction and softness in her sound. She took the chorus of the song to a new level,” Göransson said. “I imagined Shuri (Letitia Wright) singing to her brother the same way Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) sang to her son. After three weeks of meticulously fine-tuning every word, the feeling and melody line that Rihanna added to the chorus was a feeling of timelessness. It felt like the past, present and future all came together at the same time.”

Rihanna’s Performance

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Rihanna Confirmed To Perform At The Oscars

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2023 is proving as a hot revival year for Rihanna, who is confirmed to perform in this year’s Oscars. “Lift Me Up,” which was of Riri’s rare releases since her 2016 Anti album, will be performed live. The track was released on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, which also features Stormzy, Tobe Nwigwe, and CKay. This soft and soulful ballad is also up for the Best Original Song award this year. Variety reports that this nomination marks the Barbadian singer’s first Oscars recognition.

Just earlier this month, Rihanna stunned fans with her Super Bowl halftime performance. Her energetic show relived the hype of the most recognizable hits of her career. Songs like “Rude Boy,” “Work,” and “Wild Thoughts” all lit up at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona. To top off her highly-anticipated performance, Rihanna confirmed her second pregnancy with rapper A$AP Rocky.

Rihanna Nominated For Her First Oscars With “Lift Me Up”

The 95th Academy Award ceremony will take place on March 12th this year, and the other nominations have already caused a stir amongst audiences. Although Black Panther: Wakanda Forever didn’t make it as a contender for Best Picture, Angela Bassett is nominated for her supporting role in the film. Additionally, Ruth Carter is up for her hair and makeup for the movie, while the visual effects team has received a nomination as well. In 2019, the prequel to Wakanda Forever ended up claiming three Oscars, including the Best Original Song award.

Last year, the Academy Awards made headlines for the controversial feud between host Chris Rock and Will Smith. The infamous slap that ensued has reportedly caused the award ceremony to enact a crisis team this year. With Jimmy Kimmel hosting the show this year, Bill Kramer, the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences reflected on his plan to combat any turbulence. He told Time Magazine, “it is our hope that we will be prepared for anything that we may not anticipate right now but that we’re planning for just in case it does happen.” For more news on pop culture and hip hop, don’t miss out on HNHH.

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Rihanna Is Following The Super Bowl With Another Major Live Performance At The 2023 Oscars

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Rihanna Super Bowl Halftime Show 2023
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The 95th Academy Awards are going down on March 12, and it was revealed today (February 23) that there’s going to be a major reason for music fans to tune in: Rihanna will be performing her Black Panther: Wakanda Forever song “Lift Me Up” during the Oscars broadcast.

This of course comes shortly after Rihanna’s beloved recent performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

“Lift Me Up” is nominated for Best Original Song at the 2023 ceremony (her first-ever Oscars nomination), as are Lady Gaga and Bloodpop’s “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick; Diane Warren’s “Applause” from Tell It Like A Woman; M.M. Keeravaani and Chandrabose’s “Naatu Naatu” from RRR; and Ryan Lott, David Byrne, and Mitski’s “This Is A Life” from Everything Everywhere All At Once. “Naatu Naatu” already has one win this awards season, at it was named Best Original Song, Motion Picture at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards over nominees by Rihanna, Gaga, and others.

“Lift Me Up” co-writer Tems previously said of the song, “After speaking with [director Ryan Coogler] and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them. Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”

T.I.’s Daughter Heiress Drops Cover Of Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up”

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Some things, like musical talent, just seem to run in the family. T.I.’s daughter Heiress Harris just dropped a cover of Rihanna’s track for the Wakanda Forever soundtrack, “Lift Me Up.” Also, the cover came with a music video attached where the the six-year-old walks on the beach facing a beautiful sunset. In fact, her parents showed up in The Shade Room’s Instagram post to hype their third child together up. Moreover, the Atlanta trap pioneer put a heart-eyes emoji in the comments, keeping it simple and sweet. Meanwhile, Heiress’s mother Tiny commented “Thank you guys” with heart-eyes and heart-hands emojis.

FAIRBURN, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 26: Tameka ‘Tiny’ Harris, T.I., Heiress Diana Harris, and Major Philant Harris attend Holiday Road Atlanta Friends & Family Preview Night 2021 at The Horse Mansion at Bouckaert Farm on November 26, 2021 in Fairburn, Georgia. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for Holiday Road)

Furthermore, Heiress’s high pitch comes through passionately in the adorable video. “Safe and sound,” she sings, “Drowning in an endless sea / Take some time and stay with me.” While we doubt Heiress is at the angst level of feeling like drowning, the emotion of the song still shines. After all, the gorgeous pianos would make even a health insurance commercial script sound magical. Still, people loved it in the comments, and even told other to never speak poorly of a kid trying hard. Of course, this isn’t the first time that the celebrity daughter made headlines for her burgeoning creativity. A couple of years ago, she turned heads with her take on Megan Thee Stallion’s #SavageChallenge.

Meanwhile, Heiress’s dad Tip recently participated in some enlightening interviews that brought interesting conversations. As one of the legends in Southern hip-hop, his experience and connection to waves both old and current is indelible. For example, he recently made various comments about his Atlanta colleague Young Thug. In a conversation on Drink Champs, he stated that Thugger is one of the most appreciative and grateful artists he’s crossed paths with. To emphasize, he compared his thankful mindset to how his YSL crew is taking plea deals and abandoning him in many’s eyes.

Also, he elaborated on Thug appreciating T.I.’s role in his come-up when talking to Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay. Moreover, he said that Thug is one of many artists who sought help from him as he grew a profile. Instead of giving him some cash only to demand it back once he made it big, T.I. supported Young Thug’s capacity to go big. Overall, a little motivation and a good mentor with your best interests in mind go a long way. In fact, maybe the “Live Your Life” star will help his daughter’s music career in the same way, because the talent’s there. As always, come back to HNHH for the latest on T.I., Tiny, and the talent of hip-hop’s descendants.

Rihanna Nabs Academy Award Nomination for “Lift Me Up” from ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Soundtrack

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Rihanna Nabs Academy Award Nomination for "Lift Me Up" from 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Soundtrack

The start of 2023 could be an enormous run for Rihanna. With the Super Bowl performance already booked, Rihanna could soon be an Academy Award winner.

Rihanna is one of the multiple artists nominated for Best Original Song at the 95th annual Oscar awards. The nomination is for co-writing “Lift Me Up,” which was featured on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

According to Billboard, Rihanna is rumored to be a performer on the biggest night in Hollywood. The performance would make her the first person to perform at the Oscars and Super Bowl in the same calendar year since Phil Collins did the same in 2000.

Joining Rihanna as nominees are Lady Gaga, David Byrne, Ryan Lott, and more. You can see the full nominees for Best Original Song below.

Best Original Song

“Lift Me Up”; Music by Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, Rhianna, Tems; Lyric by Coogler and Tems; Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Marvel Studios

“This Is a Life”; Music by David Byrne, Ryan Lott, Mitski; Lyric by Lott and Byrne; Everything Everywhere All at Once, A24

“Naatu Naatu”; Lyric by Chandrabose, Music by M. M. Keeravani; RRR, Variance Films

“Applause”; Music and lyric by Diane Warren;Tell It Like a Woman, Samuel Goldwyn Films

“Hold My Hand”; Music and lyric by BloodPop (Michael Tucker) and Lady Gaga; Top Gun: Maverick, Paramount Pictures

The post Rihanna Nabs Academy Award Nomination for “Lift Me Up” from ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Soundtrack appeared first on The Source.

Rihanna Shares Behind-The-Scenes Clip From “Lift Me Up”

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Rihanna has shared a video from behind-the-scenes of the making of her recent song, “Lift Me Up.” The track is featured on the soundtrack to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

The video shows Rihanna showing the song to director Ryan Coogler and composer Ludwig Göransson for the first time.

“You’re making it timeless, you don’t know if it’s past, the future or present,” Göransson says in the clip.

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 13: Singer Rihanna performs onstage during the 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Lionel Richie at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS)

Coogler previously discussed how he landed on asking Rihanna to pick up the task of handling the film’s main song. Speaking with HipHopDX, he said that she seemed perfect for tackling the theme of motherhood.

“It felt right for us because motherhood is a massive theme in this movie,” Coogler said. “And that was kind of timing up for her. In a similar way, when we were finishing the first film, Kendrick was kind of inheriting this crown. What was the chances of us making this movie and Rihanna becoming a mom?”

He also described hearing “Lift Me Up” for the first time as “incredibly moving,” a moment we now have on video.

“When she recorded ‘Lift Me Up,’ which was incredibly moving for me,” he said. “She said ‘I was trying to do this man and his family justice. I was trying to make something worthy of what he gave to us.’ So I take no credit in that. We was all just playing a role.”

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hit theaters back on November 11, 2022.

Check out Rihanna’s behind-the-scenes video for “Lift Me Up” below.

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Rihanna, Taylor Swift, And Lady Gaga Lost At The Golden Globes To An Extremely Popular Song You May Not Have Heard Of

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Rihanna Golden Globe Awards 2023
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The 2023 Golden Globe Awards ceremony took place last night (January 10), and while the proceedings are focused on TV and movies, music makes its way into the mix, too. Specifically, there are two music categories: Best Original Score, Motion Picture and Best Original Song, Motion Picture. The former was won by Justin Hurwitz’s work on Babylon.

As for the latter, songs by Taylor Swift (“Carolina” from Where The Crawdads Sing), Rihanna (“Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), and Lady Gaga (“Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick) were in contention. None of those ended up winning, though. Instead, the Best Original Song award went to Kala Bhairava, M. M. Keeravani, and Rahul Sipligunj’s “Naatu Naatu,” a Telugu-language song from the hit 2022 Indian movie RRR.

While “Naatu Naatu” may not be backed by the star power of a song by Gaga, Rihanna, or Swift (among American/English-speaking audiences, at least), it has achieved massive popularity with over 111 million views on YouTube. That puts it right up there with its competitors: “Hold My Hand” has 138 million views while “Lift Me Up” is at about 92 million and “Carolina” has around 8 million.

Rihanna was in attendance and was a good sport, as she made sure to offer her congratulations to the folks behind RRR.

Meanwhile, RRR was also up for Best Picture, Foreign Language, but that award went to Argentina, 1985.

Find the full list of 2023 Golden Globe winners here and listen to “Naatu Naatu” below.