Hours before performing as the opening act at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, Rihanna debuts a short new do.

The 24-yr-old pop-star who is nominated for 5 awards, will perform two tracks, “Cockiness” and “We Found Love.” 

Meanwhile, after years of heavy and colorful weaves, wigs and tracks, Rihanna was spotted arriving at the Staples Center in California with a simple crop hair style for rehearsal last night.

She wore a white Celine Paris t-shirt and choker, ripped blue jeans and black, blue and orange Cleveland Cavalier-edition Air Jordan #4.

 The VMA’s airs tonight. So does President Obama’s acceptance speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention.