After weeks of so-so performances and understated acts, Rihanna brought the heat to the "Saturday Night Live" stage with an elaborate set.
The singer served as the musical guest alongside host Eli Manning, where she performed two tracks off her album, Talk That Talk -- "Birthday Cake" and "Where Have You Been" -- but not without some controversy.
According to TMZ, Rihanna missed her "SNL" dress rehearsal performance because of an illness, which angered many "Saturday Night Live" producers, including Lorne Michaels. "Rihanna was sick and needed to save her voice for the live show," a source told TMZ.
The pop megastar showed no ill effects during her "SNL" performance, which included some of the dance sequences she highlighted in a recently released video for "Where Have You Been." In a behind-the-scenes clip, Rihanna revealed that famed choreographer Hi-Hat ("Step Up 3") was helping her create a routine.
In February, Rihanna unveiled a controversial remix of "Birthday Cake," featuring Chris Brown, her ex-boyfriend. Brown viciously beat Rihanna in a 2009 incident before the Grammy Awards, at which they were scheduled to perform.
WATCH: Rihanna performs "Birthday Cake"/"Talk That Talk"
PHOTOS: Rihanna and Other Stars at the TIME 100 Gala
