Rihanna is to perform a private concert in Barbados on New Year's Eve (31.12.11).

The 'We Found Love' singer - who hails from the Caribbean island - will headline the VIP bash for the UK's Global Radio boss Ashley Talbot at the luxurious Sandy Lane hotel, and music mogul Simon Cowell is expected to be in attendance.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "The government paid Rihanna £1.25 million to perform at Barbados Carnival in August as she is obviously their biggest export.

"Everyone is very excited to hear that she'll be back again so soon and plenty of the islanders are hoping to catch a glimpse of her in town, even if they can't get into the party."

It is not known what fee the 'Umbrella' hitmaker will collect for performing at the party, or how long her set will be.

Despite now living in the US, Rihanna says Barbados will always have a place in her heart and was thrilled when she was named a tourism ambassador for the country earlier this year.

She said: "Barbados is a place like no other and one of the reasons for this is the spirit and national pride of our people. I want each and every visitor to this beautiful island to experience what makes this destination different from all others and that is the spirit and warmth of my fellow Barbadians."