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Rihanna becomes first female star to reach 200M RIAA certifications
17th April, 2026 12:37 PM
Singer Rihanna has made music history after becoming the first female artist to surpass 200 million RIAA singles certifications, according to an article on E! News.
The “We Found Love” singer now holds one of the biggest digital music achievements ever recorded, even though she has not released a full studio album in more than a decade. The milestone places her among the most successful artists in global music history.
The record confirms Rihanna’s lasting impact on the music industry, with total certified units reaching 200.5 million. This achievement puts her in third place on the all-time list for digital singles.
She now sits behind Drake, who leads with 277.5 million, and Morgan Wallen, who follows with 215 million. Despite the gap, Rihanna remains the highest-ranking female artist on the list.
Rihanna’s record set during long music break
Rihanna’s last full studio album, Anti, was released in January 2016. Since then, she has only released a few featured tracks and soundtrack singles, while focusing on other areas of her career and personal life. Even with limited new music, her older catalog continues to perform strongly across global platforms and streaming services.
“I have to show them the worth in the wait. I cannot put up anything mediocre,” Rihanna said.
She also explained in a past interview that she has taken time to carefully shape her next musical direction. Rihanna said earlier ideas did not match her personal growth or artistic direction. She noted that returning to music requires her to feel fully connected to what she releases. Her comments reflect why she has delayed her ninth studio album for several years.
The singer has also hinted that progress is being made on her long-awaited return to music. In February 2025, she shared that she felt she had finally figured out the direction for her next project. She also posted a short clip of herself in the studio on February 26, sparking renewed excitement among supporters awaiting new music.
Beyond music, Rihanna has also built a strong family life with partner A$AP Rocky. The couple share three children, including RZA, Riot Rose, and Rocki. While balancing motherhood and business ventures, Rihanna continues to remain one of the most influential figures in entertainment, with her past work still breaking records years after release.
