Rihanna is set to prove she's the only girl in the world when she takes the stage at the American Music Awards on Sunday. The Loud singer will be the show's opening act and says that despite some recent big awards-show performances, à la this month's MTV Europe Music Awards, this one will be even more epic.
"We're actually performing at the AMAs. We're actually opening up the show, which is a lot of pressure," she told MTV News about the performance. "But I love a challenge and I can't wait."
Rihanna hinted to us that she might be singing the Loud track "Cheers (Drink to That)," but didn't confirm the selection. She did, however, admit to being nervous about all of the airtime she's been given.
"They gave me nine minutes to do whatever I want and I can't wait," she shared. "That's a long time on an awards show, but it's going to be exciting. I can't wait. I can't wait to do it. I really can't."
The executives behind the AMAs are equally thrilled about Rih's upcoming performance. "We could not be more excited to officially announce one of pop music's biggest stars to open the celebration at the AMAs," AMA producer Larry Klein said in a statement. "Be sure to tune in so you don't miss this surely memorable moment."
In addition to being the show's opener, Rihanna is also nominated for Favorite Female Artist along with Alicia Keys and Sade. Other big performers include Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, the Backstreet Boys, New Kids on the Block and Christina Aguilera, who'll perform a number from her upcoming movie, "Burlesque."
The American Music Awards are known for their high-octane performances, and this year is no exception, with Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Kid Rock, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Pink, Usher, Ne-Yo, Diddy and more set to hit the stage.
Christina Aguilera will also be performing, doing a number from her upcoming movie "Burlesque." When MTV News caught up with the Grammy winner/ movie newbie recently, while doing press with her hunky "Burlesque" co-star Cam Gigandet, we asked her what fans can expect from her AMA performance.
"It's going to be fantastic," she said. "And it will give you a fitting little look inside the movie."
Aguilera said her saucy, burlesque-style dancing will set her performance apart from past appearances.
"It will be another very new challenge for me," Aguilera admitted. "My legs have been incredibly sore as I stepped into the role of Ali for this." In the film, Aguilera plays a small-town girl with big dreams — Ali — who stumbles on a burlesque club owned by the feisty Tess (Cher).
Aguilera added that, while re-learning the dance routines was grueling, the choreography is amazing. "You're going to get quite the show," she promised. "Quite the spectacle."
While Aguilera is new to the world of acting, Cher told MTV News that the pop star can dish it out with the best of them. "The scenes that she and I had together, I really enjoyed, and I really believe that she's got definite chops," she said. "We worked well together. I enjoyed all of it, and she was toe-to-toe with me the whole time."
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