Rihanna becomes first woman to exceed 200 million RIAA single certifications

• Rihanna is the first female artist to reach 200 million RIAA singles certifications.
• She currently ranks third on the all-time list behind Drake and Morgan Wallen.
• The singer has not released a full studio album since her 2016 record.
  

Rihanna has achieved a historic milestone in the music industry, becoming the first female artist to surpass 200 million RIAA singles certifications.

As of Wednesday, the Barbadian singer-songwriter, 38, reached a staggering 200.5 million units, placing her third on the all-time list.

She now follows only Drake, who holds the top position with 277.5 million, and Morgan Wallen with 215 million.

This unprecedented success comes even though the "Diamonds" performer has not released a full studio album since "ANTI" arrived in 2016.

Discussing her long-awaited return to music with "Harper’s Bazaar" earlier in 2025, Rihanna explained her meticulous process and refusal to release anything mediocre.

She noted that her evolution as an artist required a departure from traditional genres, stating, "It's not matching my growth. It's not matching my evolution. I can't do this. I can't stand by this."

The singer emphasised the importance of the hiatus, remarking, "I have to show them the worth in the wait. I cannot put up anything mediocre."

She further teased that her upcoming work would be "unique" and not necessarily "commercial or radio digestible."

This professional triumph follows a period of personal distress for the star. In March, Rihanna was reportedly "deeply shaken" after a woman, Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, allegedly fired a rifle at her Beverly Hills residence.

While no injuries occurred, the suspect faced multiple felony charges and entered a plea on 25 March. Looking ahead, Rihanna remains focused on her creative evolution and her role in the 2025 "Smurfs" soundtrack.