The singer is set to release 'Rated R' later this month and admits she has felt massively nervous about performing songs written in the aftermath of her assault at the hands of former boyfriend Chris Brown.

She said: "There are a lot of butterflies, a lot of excitement.

"I'm anxious. Like, I can't wait. But you're always nervous, because you're about to go do something big. It's a new thing, a new era. But I'm not scared. I'm just really excited. I just can't wait to start.

'My first time performing the songs was on Sunday night in Los Angeles with Jay-Z. We did 'Run This Town' and 'Hard,' and I kept thinking, 'Why the hell am I so nervous?' And I couldn't figure it out. But then I knew why: It was the first time performing one of my new songs.'

Marking her new era, Rihanna looked radiant when she stepped out in New York on Monday night (09.11.09) to accept a Woman of the Year award.

The 'Umbrella' hitmaker was one of several high-profile females – including author Maya Angelou, Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife Maria Shriver, designer Stella McCartney, tennis star Serena Williams and comedienne Amy Poehler – honoured by Glamour magazine.

US First Lady Michelle Obama was given an award of special recognition for bringing the importance of mentoring to the forefront.

The honorees are chosen by a board of former winners, including Jennifer Lopez, and awards were presented at a special ceremony at Carnegie Hall.