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.
sections: Celebrities