Rihanna's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Rihanna.

Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a highly successful Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman. Known for her significant impact on music and fashion, she's one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with approximately 250 million records sold. She has earned numerous accolades, including nine Grammy Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, and thirteen American Music Awards, solidifying her status as a cultural icon.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

February 22, 2008: "Rihanna Day" launched in Barbados

On February 22, 2008, former Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson launched the national "Rihanna Day" in Barbados to celebrate Rihanna.

2008: Grammy Award for 'Umbrella'

In 2008, Rihanna won her first Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Umbrella" alongside Jay-Z.

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2008: Disturbia 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.

June 2011: Loud Tour Commences

In June 2011, Rihanna began her Loud Tour to promote the Loud album, which included selling out 10 nights at The O2 Arena in West London.

February 2012: Grammy and BRIT Awards

In February 2012, Rihanna won a Grammy for "All of the Lights" and was voted Best International Female Solo Artist at the BRIT Awards for the second year running.

September 2012: "We Found Love" Wins MTV Video Music Award

In September 2012, Rihanna's "We Found Love" won the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year, making her the first woman to win the award more than once.

2012: Social Networking Superstar

In 2012, Rihanna ranked No. 1 on Forbes' list of Social Networking Superstars.

February 2013: Grammy Win and UK Sales Ranking

In February 2013, Rihanna won a Grammy for "We Found Love" and was ranked No. 1 in UK record sales among BRIT Awards nominees.

2013: Influential Pop Star in the UK

In 2013, Rihanna was named the most influential pop star in the United Kingdom by UK channel 4Music.

2014: Time Magazine's Pop Star Ranking

In 2014, Time magazine's pop stardom ranking metric ranked Rihanna second in history, based on all-time chart performance and contemporary significance.

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 be the face of the brand.

August 28, 2016: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award

On August 28, 2016, Rihanna was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards.

February 2017: Harvard University's Humanitarian of the Year

In February 2017, Rihanna was named Harvard University's "Humanitarian of the Year" by the Harvard Foundation.

September 8, 2017: Fenty Beauty first installment release

On September 8, 2017, the first installment of Fenty Beauty was released in stores and online in over 150 countries, including foundations, highlighters, bronzers, blush compacts, and lip glosses. The brand was praised for its diverse range for all skin colors.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer $weetmouth

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August 2018: Billboard Ranking

In August 2018, Billboard ranked Rihanna as the tenth biggest Hot 100 artist of all time, and the fifth biggest female act of all time.

September 2018: Launch of Savage X Fenty lingerie brand

In September 2018, Rihanna launched the Savage X Fenty lingerie brand, creating an inclusive brand with a variety of shades and sizes. She showcased the brand at the New York Fashion Week.

September 20, 2018: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Barbados

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."

2018: Most Influential People and Best Dressed

In 2018, Time magazine included Rihanna on its 100 Most Influential People in the World issue, and she was ranked one of the best dressed women by Net-a-Porter.

May 2019: Launch of Fenty fashion brand with LVMH

In May 2019, Rihanna launched her Fenty fashion brand under LVMH, becoming the first woman to create an original brand for LVMH and the first woman of color to lead an LVMH brand.

2019: Forbes' Top 100 Most Powerful Women

In 2019, Rihanna was listed among Forbes' Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

2020: NAACP President's Award

In 2020, Rihanna accepted the President's Award from Derrick Johnson at the NAACP Image Awards for her career, business achievements, activism, and philanthropy.

2020: Sunday Times Rich List Debut

In 2020, Rihanna debuted on the Sunday Times Rich List, claiming third place among Britain's richest musicians.

2021: Wealthiest Female Musician

As of 2021, Rihanna became the world's wealthiest female musician with an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion.

2021: Declared National Hero of Barbados

In 2021, Rihanna was declared a National Hero of Barbados, recognizing her contributions and achievements.

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 of the event. The performance was watched by 121.017 million viewers.