Last night on ‘NBC’s New Year’s Eve With Carson Daly‘, the pre-taped performances of Rihanna were aired. The fashion forward pop star performed her newer songs; “Run This Town” with Jay-Z, “Wait Your Turn” and “Hard.” Rihanna then took us back to the best song of her career thus far, “Umbrella.” Thanks to Toya for the videos.

The fact that Rihanna performed in the cold like she was in a warm climate was enough to ignore all her “crabby grabbin.” The we go back to 2007 as RiRi performs “Umbrella” with Jay-Z by her side. As far as pop music goes, “Umbrella” IS the best pop song of the Noughties. It was so ditty that it caught on with different audiences; the sound was so international. When the song plays it stills rings epic in pop form in our ears.

Rihanna may have pre-taped some performances for the New Year in New York City but she was present in Abu Dhabi for 2010. The concert which sparked reports that Rihanna’s less-than-conservative image had to be tamed in order for her to perform still went on as planned. A fan who attended posted, “This is the best night of my life” under his/her Youtube vid. Good for him/her.

View footage from both events after…

View more video footage from the concert HERE