Rihanna's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Rihanna.

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.

Sections (5)

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

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.

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

On February 22, 2008, former Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson launched the national "Rihanna Day" in their country. Although it is not a bank holiday, Barbadians celebrate it every year in honor of Rihanna.

2008: Grammy Award Win

In 2008, Rihanna was nominated for several Grammy Awards for Good Girl Gone Bad, winning Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Umbrella" alongside Jay-Z, her first Grammy Award.

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.

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.

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.

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.

December 2012: GQ "Men of the Year" Cover

In December 2012, Rihanna became the first woman to be featured on the cover of GQ magazine's "Men of the Year" issue.

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: Social Networking Superstar

In 2012, Rihanna was ranked at No. 1 on Forbes' list of Social Networking Superstars. Time magazine included Rihanna on its 100 Most Influential People in the World issue.

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.

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.

2013: Most 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 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 represent the brand.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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, as well as the fifth biggest female act of all time.

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."

2018: Time 100 Most Influential People

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

2019: Forbes' Top 100 Most Powerful Women

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

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.

2020: Debut on Sunday Times Rich List

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

September 2021: Rihanna drops lawsuit against her father

In September 2021, Rihanna dropped the lawsuit against her father.

2021: Declared a National Hero of Barbados

In 2021, Rihanna was declared a National Hero of Barbados.

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.