GLOBAL pop superstar Rihanna has announced she will perform at the Stadium of Light next year.
The Barbadian singer will bring her worldwide Diamonds tour to the Black Cats home ground on June 20.
Tickets for the show, which stadium bosses predict will be its biggest yet, go on sale this coming Tuesday.
Sunderland AFC commercial director Gary Hutchinson said: “Rihanna is one of the most popular artists in the world at the moment, so to be able to welcome her to the Sunderland stadium is simply fantastic.
“We are expecting to see phenomenal demand for this show, given the artist’s global popularity, and this could be set to be the biggest show we have ever staged here.
“It’s another great coup for the city, helping to seal our reputation as one of the biggest and best venues for live music in the country.
“We are also delighted to be working with Live Nation once again, the leading promoter in the world, who also brought Bruce Springsteen to the Stadium of Light last year.”
Rihanna will be supported by dance music sensation David Guetta.
The French house music DJ and producer, who has had five UK Number ones, wrote and produced Rihanna’s new Unapologetic album.
The gig is one of only three stadium performances on the UK leg of the tour, alongside Twickenham in London and the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Coun Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Rihanna is a global superstar and we're thrilled to be welcoming her to Sunderland next year.
“A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes to bring top class events like these to our city.
“Our strong and successful partnership with the football club means that we can continue to work together on fantastic concerts like this one, which boost our local economy and give us a chance to showcase our city to visitors.”
The 24-year old, who has sold over 25 million albums worldwide, burst onto the music scene in 2005 and has just released her seventh album.
Anyone wishing to purchase a ticket for a reserved seat, priced from £40 to £60, should call the hotline on 0844 844 0444 or visit www.livenation.co.uk from 9am on Tuesday.
Tickets will also be available from the Stadium of Light from 9am on Tuesday.
