April 16, (THEWILL) — Rihanna has made history once again, becoming the first woman to surpass 200 million certified single sales, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
This milestone comes despite the singer not releasing a full album in nearly a decade.
As of April 2026, Rihanna has earned 200.5 million RIAA-certified units, placing her third on the all-time list behind Drake (277.5 million) and Morgan Wallen (215 million).
Her last studio album, “ANTI”, was released in 2016. Since then, she has dropped a few singles, including “Lift Me Up” for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) and “Friends of Mine” for The Smurfs (2025).
Despite her limited new releases, Rihanna’s catalogue remains incredibly popular, with hits like “Umbrella”, “We Found Love”, and “Don’t Stop the Music” continuing to generate impressive streaming numbers.
RIAA certifications today are heavily driven by streaming, with 150 plays counting as one unit. Rihanna’s ability to achieve this milestone without a recent album highlights the lasting appeal of her music.
In addition to her music achievements, Rihanna was honoured with the prestigious 2026 Edison Achievement Award on April 16, 2026.
She made history as the first woman of colour to receive this esteemed recognition, which honours individuals who have made significant contributions to innovation in various fields.
Rihanna was celebrated for her transformative impact across industries such as music, fashion, beauty, and philanthropy. Her work with Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty, and her philanthropic efforts through the Clara Lionel Foundation, focused on climate resilience, health equity, and women’s empowerment, have made her a global icon.
With this new milestone and the Edison Award, Rihanna continues to solidify her legacy as one of the most influential and innovative figures in entertainment.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
