LITTLE ROCK — Seven concerts. Seven cities. Seven days.Rihanna began her “777” tour in Mexico Ci ty o n Wednesday night with an exclusive party for about 2,000 fans. Dressed in black shorts, a small black top and a black boxing robe, Rihanna was welcomed on the stage of the El Plaza Condesa concert hall with an ovation despite being two hours late. She thanked fans for their patience. “This is incredible! Thank you very much for your patience. You really make me feel loved here,” said the 24-year-old singer before opening the concert with “Cockiness (Love It).” The show was a taste of what’s to come in her “Diamonds World Tour” scheduled for the first half of 2013. Rihanna arrived in Mexico City on a Boeing 777, which will take her to Toronto, Stockholm, Paris, Berlin, London and finally New York, where she will complete thegrueling tour and present her latest album, Unapologetic. She also sang “Fresh Off The Runway” and “Diamonds” from her new album, which features collaborations with Eminem, David Guetta, Future and former boyfriend Chris Brown. “We’ve waited a long time to get back here, Mexico City!” said the singer.

Channing Tatum is People magazine’s “ sexiest man alive” for 2012. The 32-yearold actor said his first thought on hearing the news was:“‘Y’all are messing with me.”’ Tatum’s film roles include Magic Mike and the forthcoming Foxcatcher. Other actors who have received the “sexiest” label include George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Ryan Reynolds. Last year’s “sexiest man” was Bradley Cooper. People announced its 2012 list Wednesday.

Front Section, Pages 2 on 11/16/2012