“Stay” is a duet between Barbadian singer Rihanna and American singer Mikky Ekko recorded for Rihanna’s seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). It was released as the second single from the album on December 13, 2012. “Stay” was co-written by Ekko and Justin Parker. The song’s lyrics speak of temptation and the inability to resist true love. Music critics were generally positive in their opinion regarding the balladry and most described it as a standout track on the album.
Upon the release of Unapologetic, “Stay” charted on multiple charts worldwide. Following its release as a single, it reached number one in Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Israel and the top five in twenty-four countries worldwide including Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Rihanna’s twenty-fourth top ten on the chart, thus surpassing Whitney Houston’s tally. Furthermore, it has charted at number one on the US Mainstream Top 40 chart and 16 on the Dance Club Songs chart. The single has sold over 10 million units worldwide.
The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Sophie Muller, depicts Rihanna naked in a bathtub filled with cloudy water, while Ekko sings in a separate bathroom. Critics likened the vulnerability and raw emotion in the video to the song itself. Rihanna premiered “Stay” on Saturday Night Live in the United States, while she performed the song in the United Kingdom on the ninth series of The X Factor. Rihanna and Ekko also performed “Stay” at the 2013 Grammy Awards. The track was included on the set list of the majority of her 777 Tour promotional tour dates, in support of the album, while it was included on Rihanna’s fifth headlining tour, the Diamonds World Tour in the encore and the opening song of her seventh headlining tour, the Anti World Tour.
