Is Rihanna Leaving Music Behind?: «God Had Other Plans for Me»

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Rihanna has caused quite a buzz among her fans with her latest comments. While celebrating the launch of her Fenty Skin line in her home country of Barbados, she shared some heartfelt thoughts: “Music was the thing that got the attention, but God had other plans for me.” Her honest words seemed to hint at a growing appreciation for other forms of creative expression beyond music.

The ‘Umbrella’ singer spoke about how much she’s achieved as the founder of a global brand and expressed her gratitude for the people who made it all possible. “The community that has always propelled me to the next place and given me the strength,” she said, highlighting how important her fans have been in her journey.

Rihanna’s speech at Fenty Beauty’s Caribbean launch in Barbados: 🇧🇧

“Music was the thing that got the attention, but God had other plans for me. I cannot express what this day means to me, to be able to celebrate with people that deserve it the most. Thank you to my country.” pic.twitter.com/AS3Cr2ado1

— Fenty Headlines (@FentyHeadlines) November 8, 2024

Still, many fans took her comments as a sign that she’s stepping away from music for good. Some believe this might be Rihanna’s definitive “goodbye” to the industry. Since releasing ANTI in 2016, she hasn’t dropped any new music, so it’s no surprise that every statement she makes sparks excitement and speculation.

In 2018, Rihanna shared that she was working on an album inspired by reggae, a genre closely connected to her roots. However, that project never saw the light of day. Years later, after her Super Bowl halftime performance, she admitted she wasn’t happy with what she had created and revealed she was ‘just now starting’ work on R9. For now, fans will just have to keep waiting.

Rihanna tells ET that she is “starting over” her album:

“I have been working on the album for so long that I kinda just put all that stuff aside. And now, I’m prepared to go back into the studio. Now I’m prepared. So I’m gonna start.” pic.twitter.com/PT5WXe2FBg

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 11, 2024

Rihanna’s Return

In 2022, Rihanna surprised fans by releasing ‘Lift Me Up’ for the soundtrack of Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The intimate ballad, however, didn’t fully meet the expectations of fans or critics. This sparked anticipation for a more upbeat release that could truly blow people away.

Later that year, she confirmed she would headline the Super Bowl halftime show. The performance was absolutely spectacular, featuring her biggest hits, impressive choreography, a playful nod to her Fenty brand, and a stunning pregnancy announcement. Rihanna set the bar high for the first halftime show produced by Apple Music. In just a few months, Kendrick Lamar will take the stage as her successor.