Rihanna at the American Airlines Arena, July 31

As we wrap up 2010, Crossfade looks back at the best live performances of the year. View the full list of Miami's Best Concerts of 2010.RihannaJuly 31, 2011American Airlines ArenaA pop-tastic show that was full of theatrics and a stepping-into-Rihanna's-dreams storyline. The concert's timing couldn't have been better either. After...

By Jose D. Duran

December 22, 2010

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As we wrap up 2010, Crossfade looks back at the best live performances of the year. View the full list of Miami's Best Concerts of 2010.

Rihanna
July 31, 2011
American Airlines Arena

A pop-tastic show that was full of theatrics and a stepping-into-Rihanna's-dreams storyline. The concert's timing couldn't have been better either. After a lackluster chart performance by her album, Rated R, Rihanna was able to reclaim her place on the top of the charts this summer with the single "Rude Boy" and the Eminem collabo "Love the Way You Lie."

What we said:

Songs like "Hard," "Take a Bow," and set closer "Umbrella" sounded great live, but it was club staples like "Please Don't Stop the Music" and "Breakin' Dishes" that really got the crowd out of the seats and dancing.

Read Crossfade's full review of Rihanna at the American Airlines Arena and see the 28-photo slideshow.

Follow Crossfade on Facebook and Twitter @Crossfade_SFL.

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Jose D. Duran is associate editor of Miami New Times where he primarily oversees the arts and culture and music beats. Jose joined the New Times staff in June 2008 but has been covering Miami culture since 2005. His work has also appeared in publications likeVice, Billboard, and Spin. He’s earned numerous accolades including placing first for Weekly Newspaper Contest: Business Reporting from the Florida Press Association in 2020; placing third for the Writing: Light Feature from the Florida Press Club in 2019; and placing third in Weekly Newspaper Contest: Best Obituary from the Florida Press Association in 2015. Jose holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Florida.

Contact: Jose D. Duran

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Twitter: @jose_d_duran