Career Timeline of Rihanna: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Rihanna built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Robyn Rihanna Fenty, known as Rihanna, is a highly successful Barbadian singer, songwriter, businesswoman, actress, and model. Recognized as the best-selling female recording artist of the 21st century by Guinness World Records and the highest-certified female digital single artist by the RIAA, she is also the third wealthiest musician globally as of 2024. Boasting seven U.S. diamond certified singles and 14 Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, Rihanna has sold an estimated 250 million units worldwide, making her one of the best-selling recording artists of all time.
2003: Formation of Musical Trio
In 2003, Rihanna formed a musical trio with classmates in Barbados and auditioned for record producer Evan Rogers, leading to demo recordings and her signing with Syndicated Rhythm Productions.
2004: Inspiration from Afrodisiac
In 2004, Rihanna cited Brandy's fourth studio album, Afrodisiac, as her main inspiration for her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad.
May 2005: Release of Debut Single 'Pon de Replay'
In May 2005, Rihanna's debut single, "Pon de Replay", was released under her mononym "Rihanna".
August 2005: Release of 'Music of the Sun'
In August 2005, Rihanna's debut album, 'Music of the Sun', was released.
October 2005: Endorsement deal with Secret Body Spray
In October 2005, Rihanna secured an endorsement deal with Secret Body Spray.
2005: Establishment of Westbury Road Entertainment
In 2005, Rihanna established her own label, Westbury Road Entertainment.
2005: Signing with Def Jam Recordings
In 2005, Rihanna signed with Def Jam Recordings.
2005: Audition with Def Jam
In early 2005, Rihanna auditioned for Def Jam in New York City, which led to her signing a six-album record deal with the label after performing Whitney Houston's cover of "For the Love of You", as well as the demo tracks "Pon de Replay" and "The Last Time".
April 2006: Release of 'A Girl Like Me'
In April 2006, Rihanna released her second studio album 'A Girl like Me'.
August 2006: Acting Debut in 'Bring It On: All or Nothing'
In August 2006, Rihanna made her acting debut in a cameo role in the film Bring It On: All or Nothing.
2006: Comparisons to Beyoncé
Around the time of the release of her second studio album, A Girl like Me in 2006, many critics felt that Rihanna's style, sound and musical material were too similar to those of Beyoncé. Rihanna addressed these comparisons in an interview with Look magazine, stating that while she felt honored to be mentioned in the same sentence as Beyoncé, they were different performers with different styles.
2006: Believe Foundation established
In 2006, Rihanna created her Believe Foundation to help terminally ill children.
2006: Release of 'A Girl Like Me'
In 2006, Rihanna released her second studio album, A Girl Like Me.
2006: First Collaboration with Anthony Mandler
In 2006, Rihanna worked with music video director Anthony Mandler on "Unfaithful", marking their first collaboration. They would go on to create more than a dozen music videos together.
May 2007: Release of 'Good Girl Gone Bad'
In May 2007, Rihanna released her third studio album, 'Good Girl Gone Bad', which embraced a new musical direction through uptempo dance tracks.
September 2007: Start of Good Girl Gone Bad Tour
In September 2007, Rihanna began the Good Girl Gone Bad Tour, consisting of 80 shows across the US, Canada, and Europe, in support of the album.
December 6, 2007: Good Girl Gone Bad Tour Concert
On December 6, 2007, Rihanna held a concert at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom, as part of the Good Girl Gone Bad Tour.
2007: Inspiration for Album
In 2007, Rihanna released her album Good Girl Gone Bad, which was inspired by Brandy's fourth studio album, Afrodisiac (2004).
2007: Release of 'Good Girl Gone Bad'
In 2007, Rihanna released her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad, incorporating dance-pop elements and establishing her as a pop icon. The lead single "Umbrella" topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and won her first Grammy Award.
2007: Rihanna becomes Cartier Love Charity Bracelet Ambassador
In 2007, Rihanna was named as one of the Cartier Love Charity Bracelet Ambassadors, representing a global charity.
2007: Dismissing Innocent Image
In 2007, with the release of her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad, Rihanna dismissed her innocent image for an edgier look with a new hairstyle, which was inspired by Charlize Theron's bob cut in the science fiction thriller Æon Flux (2005).
February 2008: Clothing designed for H&M Fashion Against AIDS line
In February 2008, Rihanna and other public figures designed clothing for the H&M Fashion Against AIDS line to raise awareness and combat HIV/AIDS.
June 9, 2008: Release of Good Girl Gone Bad Live
On June 9, 2008, Rihanna released Good Girl Gone Bad Live, her first live long-form video.
June 2008: Release of Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded and Performances on Glow in the Dark Tour
In June 2008, Rihanna's third studio album was reissued as Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, featuring new songs. Throughout 2008, Rihanna also performed on the Glow in the Dark Tour alongside Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and N.E.R.D.
August 2008: Charity Single "Just Stand Up!"
In August 2008, Rihanna and other female singers recorded the charity single "Just Stand Up!", the theme song to the anti-cancer campaign Stand Up to Cancer.
September 5, 2008: Performance on Stand Up to Cancer television special
On September 5, 2008, Rihanna contributed to the song "Just Stand Up!" with fifteen other female artists and performed it live during the "Stand Up to Cancer" television special.
September 2008: Contribution to 'Just Stand Up!'
In September 2008, Rihanna contributed to the song "Just Stand Up!" with fifteen other female artists, with proceeds from the single going to cancer research.
2008: Performance at MTV Video Music Awards
In 2008, Rihanna's performance of "Disturbia" at the MTV Video Music Awards was ranked tenth best on the MTV Video Music Awards, according to a Billboard poll.
November 2009: Release of Rated R
In November 2009, Rihanna released her fourth studio album, Rated R, featuring a darker tone. The album's single "Rude Boy" topped the US Billboard Hot 100.
2009: Release of 'Rated R'
In 2009, Rihanna released her album 'Rated R'. The album spawned the Billboard Hot 100-number one single "Rude Boy".
January 2010: Charity Cover of Redemption Song and Recording Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)
In January 2010, Rihanna released a charity cover version of "Redemption Song" for the Hope for Haiti Now campaign. She also recorded the song "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)" with Jay-Z, Bono, and The Edge for the same campaign.
October 2010: Optus and Kodak commercials and photo book release
In October 2010, Rihanna featured in the Optus and Kodak commercials and released a photo book featuring photos from the Last Girl on Earth tour.
October 2010: Switched Managers to Roc Nation Management
In October 2010, Rihanna switched managers, joining Jay-Z's Roc Nation Management.
November 2010: Release of Loud album
In November 2010, Rihanna's fifth studio album, Loud, was released, featuring hit singles and earning her a Grammy Award.
2010: Release of 'Loud'
In 2010, Rihanna released her album 'Loud'. The album spawned the Billboard Hot 100-number one singles "Only Girl (In the World)" and "What's My Name?".
January 2011: Release of Reb'l Fleur
In January 2011, Rihanna's first fragrance, Reb'l Fleur, was released and was expected to gross US$80 million at retail by the end of the year.
May 2011: Release of "Man Down" and "California King Bed"
In May 2011, Rihanna released "Man Down" and "California King Bed" as singles, achieving moderate success.
June 2011: Loud Tour
In June 2011, Rihanna embarked on her Loud Tour to promote the album, selling out 10 nights at The O2 Arena in West London, making it the seventh highest-grossing tour worldwide of 2011.
November 2011: Rihanna announces fashion venture with Armani
In November 2011, Rihanna announced her first fashion venture with Armani.
November 2011: Release of Talk That Talk
In November 2011, Rihanna's sixth album, Talk That Talk, was released, debuting at No. 3 in the U.S. and No. 1 in the UK. The album's lead single "We Found Love" topped charts in twenty-seven countries.
2011: Rihanna becomes the face of Nivea and Vita Coco
In 2011, Rihanna became the face of Nivea and Vita Coco.
2011: Release of 'Talk That Talk'
In 2011, Rihanna released her album 'Talk That Talk'. The album spawned the Billboard Hot 100-number one single "S&M" and "We Found Love".
2011: Controversial Music Videos
In 2011, Rihanna released three controversial music videos: "Man Down", "We Found Love", and "Russian Roulette" sparking debates about sadomasochism, rape, and domestic violence. "Man Down" faced criticism from the Parents Television Council for its violent depiction.
February 12, 2012: Benefit show at the House of Blues
On February 12, 2012, Rihanna performed a benefit show at the House of Blues to raise money for the Children's Orthopaedic Center and the Mark Taper-Johnny Mercer Artists Program at Children's Hospital.
February 2012: Grammy and BRIT Awards
In February 2012, Rihanna won her third Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "All of the Lights" and was voted Best International Female Solo Artist at the BRIT Awards for the second consecutive year.
February 2012: Release of Rebelle
In February 2012, Rihanna's second fragrance, Rebelle, was released. The promotional campaign was shot by Anthony Mandler.
March 2012: Collaboration Releases with Chris Brown
In March 2012, Rihanna and Chris Brown simultaneously released remixes of her song "Birthday Cake" and his "Turn Up the Music". These recordings received negative feedback due to their history of domestic violence.
May 18, 2012: Rihanna stars in Battleship
On May 18, 2012, Rihanna starred as Petty Officer (GM2) Cora Raikes in her first theatrical feature film, Battleship.
August 2012: Styled to Rock premiered in the UK
In August 2012, Rihanna's first television program, Styled to Rock, premiered in the UK on Sky Living.
September 2012: MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year
In September 2012, "We Found Love" won the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year, making Rihanna the first woman to receive the accolade more than once.
November 2012: Hurricane Sandy food bank donation
In November 2012, Rihanna donated $100,000 to a food bank for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, aiding those affected by the natural disaster.
November 2012: Release of Nude Fragrance
In November 2012, Rihanna released her third fragrance, Nude.
November 2012: Release of Unapologetic album
In November 2012, Rihanna's seventh studio album, Unapologetic, was released, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in the United States. The lead single "Diamonds" reached No. 1 in more than 20 countries.
2012: Guinness World Record for Digital Single Sales
As of 2012, Rihanna broke a Guinness World Record for digital single sales of over 58 million, highlighting her success in the digital music market.
2012: Forbes Reports on Rihanna's Earnings
In 2012, Forbes began reporting on Rihanna's earnings, recognizing her financial success and business ventures.
2012: Acting in Battleship
In 2012, Rihanna acted in the movie Battleship.
2012: Release of 'Unapologetic'
In 2012, Rihanna released her album 'Unapologetic', which topped the Billboard 200. The album spawned the Billboard Hot 100-number one single "Diamonds".
February 2013: Rihanna presents fashion collection at London Fashion Week
In February 2013, Rihanna presented her first women's fashion collection at London Fashion Week for British brand River Island, collaborating with Adam Selman.
February 2013: Grammy Award and Sales Ranking
In February 2013, Rihanna won her sixth Grammy Award for "We Found Love", and was ranked No. 1 in the list of 2013 BRIT Awards artist nominees for record sales.
March 2013: Diamonds World Tour Began
In March 2013, Rihanna's Diamonds World Tour, supporting her album Unapologetic, commenced.
May 6, 2013: Fox airs documentary about the 777 tour
On May 6, 2013, Fox aired a documentary about Rihanna's 777 Tour.
June 2013: Appearance in 'This Is the End'
In June 2013, Rihanna appeared in the comedy film 'This Is the End'.
July 2013: Rihanna joins Budweiser's 'Made For Music' campaign
In July 2013, Rihanna joined Budweiser's global "Made For Music" campaign, also co-starring Jay-Z.
September 14, 2013: Release of Rogue Fragrance
On September 14, 2013, Rihanna's fourth women's fragrance, titled Rogue, was released.
October 2013: Release of "The Monster" with Eminem
In October 2013, Eminem released "The Monster" featuring Rihanna, as the fourth single from his album The Marshall Mathers LP 2.
October 25, 2013: US version of Styled to Rock premiered on Bravo
On October 25, 2013, the US version of Styled to Rock premiered on Bravo.
2013: Icon Award at the American Music Awards
In 2013, Rihanna received the "Icon Award" at the American Music Awards, recognizing her significant impact on the music industry and popular culture.
January 3, 2014: MAC Viva Glam Campaign
On January 3, 2014, Rihanna participated in the MAC Viva Glam campaign, which supports women, men, and children living with HIV/AIDS. This collaboration aimed to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS support programs.
March 2014: Singles and Albums Sales in the UK
As of March 2014, Rihanna had sold over 18 million singles and 6 million albums in the United Kingdom, establishing her as one of the bestselling artists in the country.
May 2014: Signing with Roc Nation
In May 2014, Rihanna left Def Jam Recordings and signed fully with Roc Nation, the record label that had managed her career since October 2010.
2014: Rihanna becomes creative director of Puma
In 2014, Rihanna became the creative director of Puma, overseeing the brand's women's line, including collaborations in apparel and footwear.
2014: Release of Rogue Men
In 2014, Rihanna released a male version of her fragrance, Rogue Men.
March 2015: Rihanna becomes the face of Dior
In March 2015, Rihanna was chosen as the new face of Dior, making her the first black woman to represent the brand.
March 30, 2015: Rihanna co-owns Tidal
On March 30, 2015, Rihanna became a co-owner of the music streaming service Tidal, specializing in lossless audio and high definition music videos, alongside other music artists.
July 1, 2015: RIAA Milestone
On July 1, 2015, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced that Rihanna had surpassed more than 100 million Gold and Platinum song certifications, making her the first and only artist to surpass this threshold.
November 2015: Rihanna launches Fr8me beauty and stylist agency
In November 2015, Rihanna and Benoit Demouy launched Fr8me, a beauty and stylist agency based in Los Angeles, to assist artists with bookings for commercials, editorial shoots, ad campaigns, and red-carpet appearances.
November 2015: Samsung Contract Announcement
In November 2015, Rihanna signed a $25 million contract with Samsung to promote their Galaxy line of products and sponsor her upcoming album release and tour.
January 28, 2016: Release of Anti
On January 28, 2016, Rihanna released her eighth studio album, Anti, exclusively through streaming service Tidal, which peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200.
March 2016: Beginning of Anti World Tour
In March 2016, Rihanna's Anti World Tour began, with Travis Scott supporting in North America and Big Sean at selected European dates.
June 2016: Release of "Sledgehammer"
In June 2016, Rihanna released "Sledgehammer", a single from the Star Trek Beyond movie soundtrack.
August 28, 2016: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
On August 28, 2016, Rihanna was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards.
2016: Rihanna to release music through Westbury Road Entertainment
In 2016, Rihanna announced she would release music through her own label, Westbury Road Entertainment, established in 2005, with distribution through Universal Music Group.
2016: Rihanna debuts clothing line with Puma at New York Fashion Week
In 2016, Rihanna debuted her first clothing line in collaboration with Puma at New York Fashion Week, receiving rave reviews from fashion critics.
2016: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
In 2016, Rihanna received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards, celebrating her innovative contributions to music videos and visual culture.
2016: Release of 'Anti'
In 2016, Rihanna released her eighth album, Anti, showcasing new creative control after leaving Def Jam for Jay-Z's Roc Nation. It became her second US number one album, supported by the chart-topping single "Work".
February 2017: Harvard's Humanitarian of the Year
In February 2017, Rihanna was named Harvard University's "Humanitarian of the Year" by the Harvard Foundation.
July 21, 2017: Rihanna stars in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
On July 21, 2017, Rihanna had a major role in the Luc Besson film Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
September 8, 2017: Fenty Beauty first release
On September 8, 2017, Rihanna's cosmetics company, Fenty Beauty, under LVMH's Kendo Brands, released its first installment in stores and online, available in over 150 countries. The products included foundations, highlighters, bronzers, blush compacts, lip glosses, and blotting sheets, and were praised for their diverse range.
October 2017: Shakka reveals working with Rihanna
In October 2017, Shakka revealed that he was working with Rihanna on her 'absolutely insane' album.
November 2017: Featured on N.E.R.D's "Lemon"
In November 2017, Rihanna was featured on N.E.R.D's comeback single "Lemon" from the band's album No One Ever Really Dies.
2017: Acting in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
In 2017, Rihanna acted in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
June 8, 2018: Rihanna stars in Ocean's 8
On June 8, 2018, Rihanna was part of the all-female cast in the heist film Ocean's 8, which became a box office success.
August 2018: Rihanna filmed a secret project in Cuba titled Guava Island
In August 2018, Rihanna filmed a secret project in Cuba titled Guava Island alongside Donald Glover.
September 2018: Rihanna launches Savage X Fenty lingerie brand
In September 2018, Rihanna launched Savage X Fenty, a lingerie brand with an inclusive vision, offering products in a variety of shades and sizes, showcased at New York Fashion Week.
September 2018: Record Sales Milestone
As of September 2018, Rihanna had sold over 250 million records worldwide, solidifying her status as one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
September 20, 2018: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
On September 20, 2018, Rihanna was appointed by the government of Barbados to be an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, with special duties of promoting "education, tourism and investment for the island."
December 2018: Album Release Confirmation
In December 2018, Rihanna confirmed that her new album would be released in 2019 and announced that it is a reggae project.
2018: Acting in Ocean's 8 and Appointment as Ambassador
In 2018, Rihanna acted in Ocean's 8 and was appointed as an ambassador by the Government of Barbados.
April 2019: Advertisements for Guava Island appeared on Spotify
In April 2019, Advertisements for Guava Island appeared on Spotify indicating something happening on "Saturday Night | April 13".
May 2019: Launch of Fenty fashion brand
In May 2019, Rihanna launched Fenty, a fashion brand under LVMH, becoming the first woman to create a brand for LVMH and the first woman of color to lead an LVMH brand.
May 22, 2019: Fenty fashion brand launched in Paris pop-up store
On May 22, 2019, Rihanna launched the Fenty fashion brand with a pop-up store in Paris, before its worldwide online launch on May 29, including clothing, accessories, and footwear.
August 2019: Song Registration
In August 2019, fans noticed that Rihanna and co-songwriters registered a song titled "Private Loving" with the music publishing organization BMI.
September 2019: Rihanna promotes Savage X Fenty at New York Fashion Week
In September 2019, Rihanna promoted Savage X Fenty at New York Fashion Week, held at the Barclays Center.
September 2019: Signing with Sony/ATV Music Publishing
In September 2019, Rihanna signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
September 20, 2019: Savage X Fenty Show premiered on Amazon Prime Video
On September 20, 2019, the Savage X Fenty Show, featuring modeling appearances and musical performances, premiered on Amazon Prime Video.
October 2019: Declined Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance
In October 2019, Rihanna stated that she declined to perform at the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show in support of Colin Kaepernick, standing in solidarity with the protests against racial injustice.
December 2019: Album Completion Allusion
In December 2019, Rihanna alluded to her album being complete but indefinitely withholding the release date in an Instagram post.
March 2020: COVID-19 Relief Donation
In March 2020, Rihanna donated $5,000,000 to COVID-19 relief efforts, followed by additional donations of personal protective equipment to New York and ventilators to Barbados, assisting healthcare systems and communities during the pandemic.
March 27, 2020: Release of "Believe It"
On March 27, 2020, Rihanna appeared on PartyNextDoor's song "Believe It".
April 2020: Donation to Domestic Violence Support
In April 2020, Rihanna donated an additional $2,100,000, matching Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey for a total of $4,200,000, to support individuals and children facing domestic violence during the lockdown, providing resources and assistance to those in need.
July 2020: Rihanna launches Fenty Skin brand
In July 2020, Rihanna launched a skin care brand called Fenty Skin.
October 2, 2020: Savage X Fenty Show renewed for a third time and premiered on Amazon Prime Video
On October 2, 2020, the Savage X Fenty Show was renewed for a third time, with appearances from musicians such as Travis Scott, Rosalía, Bad Bunny, Ella Mai, Lizzo, Big Sean, Miguel, Roddy Ricch and Rico Nasty, and premiered on Amazon Prime Video.
2020: NAACP President's Award
At the 2020 NAACP Image Awards, hosted by BET, Rihanna accepted the President's Award from Derrick Johnson, who praised her career, business achievements, activism, and philanthropy.
February 2021: Fenty fashion house put on hold
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacts, in February 2021, Rihanna and LVMH decided to put on hold her Fenty fashion house to focus on the SavagexFenty lingerie line.
October 28, 2022: Release of "Lift Me Up"
On October 28, 2022, Rihanna released "Lift Me Up", the lead single from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, marking her first solo musical release since Anti.
2022: Climate Justice Donations
In 2022, the Clara Lionel Foundation allocated 13 million euro to climate justice and climate resilience, demonstrating a commitment to addressing environmental issues.
February 12, 2023: Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show
On February 12, 2023, Rihanna headlined the Super Bowl LVII halftime show, her first live performance in over five years, ending her boycott in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick. The show had a revised 121.017 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime show in history.
2023: Birth of Second Son
In 2023, Rihanna gave birth to her second son, after previously revealing she was pregnant during her Super Bowl LVII halftime show performance.
June 2024: Rihanna launches Fenty Hair brand
In June 2024, Rihanna launched a hair care brand called Fenty Hair, designed to be suitable for all hair types, textures, and routines.
2024: Third Wealthiest Musician
As of 2024, Rihanna is the third wealthiest musician in the world.
July 18, 2025: Rihanna to voice Smurfette in the Smurfs movie
On July 18, 2025, Rihanna is scheduled to voice Smurfette in the new Smurfs movie.
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