Celebrating Riri’s Milestone: 26 Unforgettable Moments from Rihanna’s Iconic Journey

The Stay singer with a cigarette in her hand (left) and a cocktail behind her (right) as she celebrates her 26th birthday in Aspen

As she marks her 26th birthday in the scenic town of Aspen, the renowned artist behind the hit song “Stay” appears effortlessly cool, holding a cigarette in one hand. In a celebratory mood, she poses with a delightful cocktail at her side, creating a playful and relaxed vibe for her special day.

The Grammy winner rocked a pixie hair cut for her March 2014 Vogue cover- her third for the fashion bible

In March 2014, the talented Grammy recipient graced the cover of Vogue magazine sporting a trendy and edgy pixie haircut. This marked her third appearance on the revered fashion publication.

Rihanna poses with the Icon Award - one of many accolades she has won- after the 2013 American Music Awards

Rihanna proudly displays the Icon Award, among the numerous prestigious honors she has acquired, following the 2013 American Music Awards.

Cara Delevingne posted on Instagram a memento from her reunion with Rihanna, who has become close friends with the model, in Barbados in December

In December, Cara Delevingne took to Instagram to share a special memory from her recent get-together with Rihanna on the beautiful island of Barbados. The two are not just acquaintances but have developed a deep bond and become close friends over time.

Rihanna performs on the main stage during the 20th T in the Park music festival at Kinross Scotland in July 2013

In July 2013, Rihanna took the stage by storm as she rocked the main stage at the Kinross Scotland music festival known as T in the Park. The talented artist showcased her incredible performance skills, leaving the enthusiastic crowd in awe. This memorable event marked the twentieth edition of the festival, making it an even more remarkable experience for attendees. With her unique style and powerful voice, Rihanna undoubtedly left a lasting impression on all those lucky enough to witness her show-stopping performance.

Rihanna's Pour It Up video was the first one she helped to direct, and it's overt sexual imagery caused a huge about of controversy

Rihanna took on a new role as a director for her music video “Pour It Up,” and its bold display of sensuality stirred up quite a storm of controversy.

Rihanna admitted that, after this seriously sexy shot of her without any pants on appeared, her mother went 'mad' at her

Rihanna confessed that when a daring photo of her surfaced, showing her without pants on, her mother was livid with her.

Posing at the launch event for  her debut fashion collection at the River Island on  Oxford Street in London

Striking a pose during the grand opening of her inaugural fashion line at the bustling River Island store located on Oxford Street in the heart of London.

Performing during the fifth stop of her 777 worldwide tour in Berlin in 2012. She performed a groundbreaking seven shows in seven countries over seven days, flying between venues in a dedicated plane

Taking the stage at her 777 worldwide tour’s fifth destination in Berlin in 2012, the artist captivated audiences like never before. With an astonishing feat of endurance, she delivered an unprecedented series of seven shows across seven countries over the span of just one week, effortlessly jetting between venues in a specially designated aircraft.

Despite her international super stardom Rihanna has always identified with her home country of Barbados - here at the yearly Crop Over Festival

Although Rihanna has achieved global fame, she has consistently maintained a strong connection to her homeland, Barbados. Every year, she eagerly participates in the popular Crop Over Festival, showcasing her love for the country.

Rihanna's S&M video sees her apparently mocking the press, binding reporters as she brandishes a whip aa well as enjoying S&M herself

In Rihanna’s captivating S&M music video, she playfully taunts the media while elegantly wielding a whip and indulging in the world of dominance and submission.

Performing with friend and mentor Jay Z at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Paraolympics in London

Having the incredible opportunity to share the stage with the legendary Jay Z at the grand finale of the 2012 Paraolympics in London was truly an unforgettable experience. Collaborating with both a dear friend and a trusted mentor added an extra layer of excitement to the event. The energy and vibes were electrifying as we showcased our talents in front of a massive crowd. This remarkable moment will forever hold a special place in my heart and serve as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the magic that unfolds when artists come together to create something extraordinary.

Rihanna's advertising campaign for her Emporio Armani underwear, one of several collaborations she has done with Armani

Rihanna has been involved in various partnerships with Armani, and her collaboration with the brand’s Emporio Armani underwear line also brought about an exciting advertising campaign.

Rihanna continued to hone her provocative style in a cameo for Kanye West's new video All Of The Lights

Rihanna further developed her bold and daring fashion sense while making a special appearance in Kanye West’s latest music video, titled “All Of The Lights”.

Rihanna in her first feature film Battleship, released in 2012, in which she plays tough girl Raikes

In the year 2012, the talented Rihanna made her debut in the film industry with the action-packed movie Battleship. This remarkable film showcased her incredible skills as she portrayed the character of the feisty and courageous Raikes, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Rihanna performs straddling a prop tank at the Mandalay Bay Events Center during her Last Girl On Earth tour  for her Rated R album in July 2010

In July 2010, Rihanna graced the Mandalay Bay Events Center stage with an electrifying performance as part of her Last Girl On Earth tour, dedicated to promoting her acclaimed Rated R album. One of the standout moments of the show was when Rihanna fearlessly straddled a striking prop tank, captivating the audience with her powerful presence and undeniable talent.

Rihanna has become increasingly known for her sexually explicit dance routines, particularly grabbing her crotch - here on stage in Paris 2010

Rihanna’s reputation has been on the rise due to her daring and provocative dance performances, which often showcase her penchant for grabbing her crotch. This bold move was captured during her electrifying stage presence in Paris back in 2010.

An image from her Rated R album, which
Rolling Stone credited with transforming her sound

A visual depiction featured in Rihanna’s acclaimed Rated R album, acknowledged by Rolling Stone as the catalyst behind a remarkable sonic evolution.

She took the coveted spot as the big name performer at the infamous Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in new York in 2007, wowing crowds with her vocals, and lingerie inspired costumes

In 2007, she secured the highly sought-after position of headlining the renowned Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York. With her mesmerizing voice and captivating attire inspired by lingerie, she left the audience astounded.

Rihanna's tell all interview in 2009 with US TV host Diane Sawyer in which she opened up about her relationship with Chris Brown

The year 2009 witnessed Rihanna’s revealing conversation with renowned American television personality, Diane Sawyer. During this candid interview, Rihanna fearlessly delved into the depths of her connection with Chris Brown.

Performing on stage at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards in 2008, well and truly having shed her good girl image

, Taylor Swift captivated the audience with a mesmerizing performance. Her presence on stage was a testament to her transformation and departure from her previous innocent persona.

Chris Brown and Rihanna, here performing during the Z100 Jingle Ball in New York in 2008, had a high profile relationship which famously ended when Brown attacked her

Chris Brown and Rihanna, known for their infamous partnership, graced the stage together at the Z100 Jingle Ball in New York back in 2008. Unfortunately, their high-profile romance came to a tumultuous halt as Brown’s aggressive outburst left Rihanna brutally assaulted.

Rihanna holds up her award for the World's Best Selling Female Artist during the World Music Awards in 2007

In 2007, the World Music Awards bestowed upon Rihanna the prestigious title of World’s Best Selling Female Artist, and she proudly raised her award high.

A much more demure and fresh faced Rihanna arrives at the taping of the 2006 MTV Movie Awards in 2006

Rihanna, looking modest and exuding youthful charm, makes her way to the recording of the prestigious 2006 MTV Movie Awards.

Performing on stage during the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in honour of Muhammad Yunus in 2006

Taking the spotlight at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in 2006, I graced the stage to pay tribute to the remarkable Muhammad Yunus.

Bouncing on to the scene at the tender age of 16, Rhianna is pictured at the Teen People Listening Lounge in 2005

Making her debut at the youthful age of 16, Rhianna delighted attendees at the Teen People Listening Lounge in 2005 with her vibrant presence.

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