We are only just recovering from this year’s VMAs.
We demand an incremented Bank Holiday weekened to get over whimsical medleys, ‘crotch-grabbing’ comebacks (Britney Jean Spears, we are looking at you) and deep declarations of love, especially when it preceded the most acclaimed award of the night.
Of course, we are talking about Rihanna and Drake. The once upon a time, ‘are they?’ ‘won’t they?’
‘can they?’ somewhat infuriating twosome in the celebrity circuit. Was Rihanna’s heart firmly with Oscar-winner Leonardo DiCaprio? Were Rihanna and Drake actually dating?Or who could forget that Lewis Hamilton and Miss Fenty saga?
Rumour-quasher Drake dramatically (and rather bravely, kudos to him) announced his love for the ‘Work’ pop princess on a massive platform (at Madison Square Gardens, facing a multitude of video cameras no biggie). The gist of his speech went as followed:
"She is someone I have been in love with since I was 22 years old."
(Roars of applause and Rihanna spectacularly blushes).
"She is one of my best friends in the world, all my adult life I have looked up to her, even though she was younger than me."
(More roars of applause and Rihanna spectacularly rolls her eyes).
Which is pretty touching stuff.
However, everyone was a bit cynical about the whole thing when Rihanna seemingly swerved Drake’s kiss, settled for a hasty hug and failed to acknowledge the MASSIVE L-bomb that had just been unleashed into the arena.
Rihanna said when accepting her award, “this is such an amazing moment in my career."
“My success started as my dream. And now it's not my own, its my family’s, my fans, women, black women … so many people.” Which although was poignant, arguably ignored Drake's admission.
Now, a week later, Rihanna has officially responded to Drake's public declaration of love on Instagram.
Badgalriri posted to her 43.5 million followers,
'#VMA2016 night was one that I would never forget!! I have the most incredible people in my life! My family, friends, loved ones, my fans, my team!!! All gifted beautiful spirits! (sic)'
'And I'm so grateful that God has precisely and flawlessly arranged our paths to meet at each other! It's because of you that I was able to reach this moment in my career! And it's also because of you that I was able to pull off a night like this one, with 4 medley performances, 4 set productions, 4 outfits, 4 hair and makeup looks, and all in 4 days of rehearsal!'
'It was a challenge but I wanted nothing more than to give my fans a true representation of all the colors that I'm made of as an artist! My journey has been filled with growth and people who continue to inspire me! Forever grateful to everyone involved creatively, from choreography all the way to wardrobe and production!'
And then...
'@champagnepapi your speech was so touching and I love you for that! All in all....Best night ever!!! I'm a lucky girl!!! To God be the Glory! #RiRiVanguard'
Rihanna is definitely #feelingblessed and we are beside ourselves thinking of all the #Dranna duets, which are bound to follow.