The music’s just getting started!
To fete the release of her seventh album, Unapologetic, Rihanna will be flying via Delta 777 jet to play seven concerts in seven cities in seven different countries in seven days — and Us Weekly‘s invited! For the next week, Us Weekly‘s Senior Editor Ian Drew will be flying with the 24-year-old superstar — plus nearly 250 members of her team, worldwide press and fans — on her landmark 777 Tour.
For all of the inside details aboard the 777, read Ian’s dispatch from day one, Wed. Nov. 14, where the “Diamonds” singer et al travel from Los Angeles to Mexico City and then Toronto — and check back at Us Weekly daily for exclusive tidbits, photos and more!
Did Rihanna have a quiet night in before kicking of her staggering, globe-trotting tour? No way!
She began her day in Los Angeles, partying until before 2 a.m. at a Hollywood bash — and waking up just before 9 a.m. to begin her trek to the private plane terminal at LAX.
At noon, Rihanna arrived in a black tank top, Burberry sunglasses and a gray leopard-print backpack. Greeted with cheers onboard, she told her the crowd, “I should be freaking out over you! This is going to be an unforgettable experience.”
I even got a hug from Rihanna herself! “We’re gonna party!” she told Us.
She wasn’t kidding! About halfway through the flight, she came back through the plane passing out Ace Of Spades champagne and cognac to everyone, shouting, “Who’s ready to hit it?!”
Pouring me a glass of the champagne, Rihanna told Us: “I feel good. This is so much fun.”
(First class at the front of the 777 was for Rihanna, in seat 1B, and her entourage — including friends and family, glam squad, private masseuse, security guards, her band and dancers.)
Six hours after arriving in Mexico City, she took the stage just past 10:30 p.m. in a black leather jersey, black shorts and black booties for a killer show, where she debuted new tracks from Unapologetic.
“This is crazy! This is the first show of the 777 Tour,” the stunner told the crowd. “It’s been such a long time that I’ve been waiting to come here. Too long.”
Appropriately, she celebrated her very first Mexico City show with tequila — downing a glass of it straight up onstage later on in the show.
After the incredible opening night was over and a very brief cat nap, it was time for the late night/early morning flight to Toronto — and another costume change! For the flight, Rihanna wore a cropped grey Adidas tracksuit, black and green Nike Air sneakers, a white t-shirt, black coat, hot pink diamond baseball cap and Burberry sunglasses.
Once we landed in Canada around 9 a.m., Rihanna checked in through customs by herself, filling out her own customs card and waiting for her own luggage — and chatting happily with airport staff and posing for photos.
One reminder that a diva was in the house? She kept her sunglasses on the whole time.
Next stop: Stockholm!
