Chris gives Rihanna a standing ovation for her Grammy performance of Stay

Barbados’ superstar switched styles to deliver a moving rendition of Mikky Ekko-penned romantic ballad. (Credit: missxpose.com)

CALIFORNIA, United States, Tuesday February 12, 2013 – Barbados’ megastar Rihanna had reportedly hoped to perform a Grammy duet with Chris Brown in a public display of unity following the star-crossed lovers’ reconciliation late last year.

When that aspiration proved fruitless, she took a different tack, getting her message across in a moving rendition of “Stay,” a stripped-down ballad from her latest album “Unapologetic” that brought Brown and many others to their feet in a standing ovation at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Taking the “less is more” approach for her performance, Rihanna ditched her usual skimpy outfit and sharp hairstyle in favour of a simple black gown and soft flowing curls. Instead of the usual backdrop of a bevy of gyrating dancers and strobing lights, the Diamonds girl was accompanied only by the song’s writer and featured singer Mikky Ekko, moreover, and as fans and music pundits agreed, the result was dazzling.

The contrast was thrown into sharper relief by the knowledge that Rihanna seldom lends her talent to emotional songs. Her album titles alone – 2007's “Good Girl Gone Bad,” 2009's “Rated R,” 2010's “Loud” and last year’s “Unapologetic” – speak volumes about her tendency to be more tough than tender.

Smash hits like "Rude Boy," "Talk That Talk" and "S&M" also lend weight to that impression, but the singer turned that all around with a touching performance that assured those watching why she was worthy of her six Grammys, the last of which she took home Sunday for Best Short Form Music Video with "We Found Love" featuring Calvin Harris.

Rihanna’s night was an overwhelming success, with her soulful performance of “Stay” counterbalanced by a fun, high-energy collaboration with Ziggy and Damien “Junior Gong” Marley, Bruno Mars and Sting, paying tribute to reggae legend Bob Marley.

When she wasn’t on stage, or peeling off clothes in swift wardrobe changes, the We Found Love girl was occupying a place that was dear to her heart – seated in the audience next to longtime love Chris Brown. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)