When Rihanna first released “Russian Roulette” as single off the “Rated R” album, many fans were not exactly at ease with the message she seemed to be sending, albeit it stood for something else, less violent in character but equally painful: the breaking of a heart. The emotion that went into writing the lyrics of the track was on full display over the weekend, as Rihanna performed on X Factor.

The singer was invited on the popular British singing competition, where the famous Simon Cowell acts as one of the judges and, seemingly, the one with the heaviest word on the candidates. After performing, Rihanna also took the time to say a few words about her most recent album, which is now out in stores worldwide, and how she was preparing a tour in the UK for this spring. Tickets for the shows will become available in two weeks’ time, she also stressed.

Fans know that, when it comes to live shows, Rihanna really puts everything out there, especially in recent weeks, meaning, since about the time she started promoting “Rated R.” Comparing the X Factor appearance with her performance at the American Music Awards 2009, for instance, one immediately notices that the former was extremely “mellow,” if one may put it that way.

The singer, dressed in a body-hugging beige dress and elbow-long gloves, sat on a white armchair for almost the entire duration of the song. She only got up as the song reached the emotional climax, but there was no dancing – again, unlike with previous performances from her. Still, this was a wonderful performance, which showed fans that Rihanna has something more than just an amazing stage presence and overwhelming public persona: a wonderful voice.

Alicia Keys was also invited on X Factor, the same episode. Her album arrives on December 15, and in order to promote it, she performed a medley of “Empire State of Mind,” “Doesn’t Mean Anything,” and “No One.” Other stars expected to travel to London to appear in upcoming episodes of the show are Janet Jackson, Lady Gaga, and Paul McCartney, reports in the media say. Meanwhile, below is Rihanna singing “Russian Roulette.” Enjoy.