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By Daily Mail Reporter
Rockin' on: Rihanna wows the American Idol audience wearing a skin-tight catsuit and playing a guitar to debut her new single Rockstar 101Rihanna's latest labum is entitled Rated R which, in America, is equivalent to an 18-certificate film in the UK.
But the R could also stand for raunchy, as the singer showed once again why she's one of pop's biggest stars.
The 22-year-old appeared on American Idol wearing an all-in-one PVC catsuit with huge shoulder pads to perform her new single Rockstar 101.
Stretched: The singer's catsuit was pushed to its limits as she prowled around on stage during the high energy performanceHer ultra-tight outfit showed every contour of her curvy frame, and she made sure the outfit was pushed to its very limits as she prowled around on stage.
The song also features Slash of Guns 'N' Roses fame, although he was absent from the performance, replaced by a motley crew of substitutes.
Surrounded by flames and a video screen displaying familiar rock icons like guitars, lightning bolts and skulls, the much anticipated appearance certainly seemed to live up to its hype.
Sliding across the stage and interacting with backup singers, Rihanna made sure that her first American Idol performance was one to remember.
Also appearing on the John Lennon/Paul McCartney-themed show was star of American Idol season 7 David Archuleta, who reprised his cover of John Lennon's Imagine.
Six contestants sang versions of Paul McCartney songs, while three performed John Lennon numbers.
Raunchy: The tight-fitting outfit showed off every contour of the 22-year-old's curvy figureAaron Kelly, 17, sang a version of Long and Winding Road that Ellen Degeneres called “long and winding”
Katie Stevens, 17, did a stunning performance of Let It Be, Andrew Garcia, 24, sang Can’t Buy Me Love.
Tim Urban, 20, performed All My Loving, while Lee DeWyze, 24, did an energetic Hey Jude, complete with a bagpiper who walked on stage at the end.
Michael Lynche sang an under par version of Eleanor Rigby, which landed him in the final two with Andrew Garcia.
Three of the contestants did John Lennon songs led by Crystal Bowersox, 24, who sang an unusual and powerful version of Come Together.
Casey James, 27, the blonde teen heartthrob of the season, did a heartfelt acoustic version of Jealous Guy, as he played acoustic guitar backed by a cello accompaniment.
New single: Rihanna performed her new single Rockstar 101 which features Slash from Guns 'N' RosesAcross the Universe was performed by Siobhan Magnus, 19, wearing a long lacy early 1900’s costume type dress with glittery eye shadow and lipstick, in her typical showy style.
None of the finalists were sent home this week after judges used their once-a-season save option to keep Michael 'Big Mike' Lynche, 26, from elimination yesterday after viewers of the talent show gave the thumbs-down to the singer's version of Eleanor Rigby.
'This is unanimous...We have decided we're going to see you next week.' judge Simon Cowell said, drawing wild cheering from the audience and a look of clear relief from Lynche.
The fans' vote to send Lynche home after a Lennon-McCartney themed week was a jolt, because he has so far consistently put in strong performances and won the judges' praise.
However the audience vote was overruled when Cowell and his fellow judges gave Big Mike their once-a-season save, but the his return means two others will be sent packing next week, when last season's runner-up Adam Lambert mentors the finalists.
Prior to the contestants getting up on stage Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney sent a special video message to them all to wish them luck.
Axe man: Slash was sadly absent from the performance, but a few guitar-playing substitutes helped to replace him 
Spectacular: Rihanna's appearance went out with a bang as fireworks cascaded down from behind herHe said: 'Hey there, Paul McCartney here. I'm very pleased that you're singing the songs of Lennon and McCartney and i just want to say get out there, go for it - enjoy yourselves. Good luck!'
In other news Lil Wayne's prodigy Nicki Minaj has announced she will not be joining Rihanna on her Last Girl on Earth tour later this year, just a day after her appearance on the tour was confirmed.
The 25-year-old has decided to focus on her forthcoming album instead.
She announced the decision via her Twitter page, saying: 'I'm sorry 2 say I will not be going out on RiRi’s tour (sic). I've decided 2 use that time 4 the completion of my album. Hope u understand.'
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