Last month, Rihanna announced the creation of the annual Diamond Ball to benefit her Clara Lionel Foundation, a foundation that she formed in honor of her grandparents. This month, the Bajan pop star's hard work and planning came to fruition as she hosted her first Ball on Thursday.
According to Vibe, the black tie fundraising event was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. Brad Pitt was in attendance and took to the stage to introduce Rihanna's grand orchestral performance of "Umbrella" and "Run This Town." Big Sean also made an appearance for a live rendition of "Clique."
Rihanna's Diamond Ball brought out big names including Tyrese, Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Adrienne Bailon, Salma Hayak, Ne-Yo, Terrence J, Fabolous and more.
The funds raised at the Ball will benefit the Clara Lionel Foundation, which Rihanna founded in 2012 to honor her grandparents Clara and Lionel Brathwaite and to improve the quality of life for communities globally in the areas of health, education, arts and culture. The funds will also benefit the Clara Braithwaite Center for Oncology and Nuclear Medicine at Queen Elizabeth hospital on her native island of Barbados.
"There is truly nothing I'm more proud of and we've just gotten started," she said in a statement. "I'm excited to continue my work and thrilled to be able to host the Diamond Ball - a night that promises to be elegant and inspirational."
Rihanna's grandmother, who she affectionately called GranGranDolly, passed away after losing a battle with cancer in July of 2012, according to MTV News.
The "Stay" singer recently made headlines after she posted a snippet of new music to Instagram. She has yet to announce an official release date for her forthcoming album.
Any thoughts? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
