Rihanna 'excited' about playing Radio 1's Big Weekend

Rihanna headlines Radio 1's Big Weekend in Bangor on 23 May

Rihanna says she's "excited" about the prospect of headlining Radio 1's Big Weekend in Bangor next month.

The Rude Boy singer is headlining the main stage on Sunday 23 May in Faenol Park alongside acts like JLS, Pixie Lott and Pendulum.

The star said: "I can't believe I'm blessed with the opportunity to do it again. I'm really excited.

"I know that anyone that's going to come out to the Big Weekend is going to come out to have a good time.

"It's a crowd full of rock stars who come out to party. Then it's all these amazing artists with all this great music. It's a great time from the beginning till the end."

Other artists appearing in Bangor include Cheryl Cole, Florence & The Machine, Paramore, Dizzee Rascal, Alicia Keys, Faithless and Justin Bieber.

The free music festival in north Wales takes place on 22 and 23 May with 20,000 tickets available via Radio 1's website.

Fans have until 7pm on Monday 3 May to take part in the ballot.

'Crazy day'

Previous Big Weekends have taken place in Swindon, Londonderry, Dundee and Sunderland.

Rihanna performed at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Preston in 2007 and says she had a brilliant day.

"I remember it was a really, really crazy day," she said. "We flew in the day of [the performance] from the US and we had to take a helicopter from the airport to the venue.

"We flew in at the wrong venue and then when we finally got there we had no time to sound check. My mic was off for the first three songs in my ears. But the energy of the audience really made up [for it].

"It made me feel like I had an amazing show. I had a number one that day with Umbrella. It was unforgettable that day."

In the interview with Radio 1's Nick Grimshaw, Rihanna said playing at a British festival is always a highlight of an artist's year.

"British festivals are high profile," the 22-year-old admitted. "It's a big deal. Every artist in any part of the world is always honoured to be part of a British festival.

Rihanna performed at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Preston in 2007

"It doesn't matter what climate or weather or environment or how much mud, it's all about that connection with the fans, meeting that audience and having that experience with them.

"It really doesn't matter. I'm really honoured to be a part of it."

She also revealed that she doesn't ask for much before a show, just some tea and honey.

She said: "When you're walking out you need a little bit of warming up of the voice, before you go out there and hit the stage. When it's a festival you have to scream over them."

Rihanna also revealed her dream would be to work with 80s electronic band Depeche Mode and that her guilty pleasure was the new Miley Cyrus single Party In The USA.

The singer will perform at Radio 1's Big Weekend after she's finished an eight-date UK arena tour with Pixie Lott.