Time flies when you’ve been in Hollywood and believe it or not it’s been over a decade since Rihanna arrived on the scene with her hit single “Pon de Replay” at just 17 years old. On Feb. 20, the pop star will celebrate her 29th birthday marking another year of greatness and success.
From her catchy music to her sultry dance moves, the singer, who was born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has captured the attention of people worldwide. In honor of her birthday, here are 29 reasons why we love her.
1. Admitting that love isn’t perfect.
With songs like “Stay,” “We Found Love” and “Love on the Brain” Rihanna made us realize that although everyone wants love, it isn’t all hearts and flowers.
2. Relationship goals.
Whether she is dating the hottest star in Hollywood or having a girls’ day with pals Katy Perry or Cara Delevingne, Rihanna’s relationships are the definition of #goals.
Rihanna stays in touch with events that benefit Barbados. The singer and Prince Harry are pictured attending the “Man Aware” event held by the Barbados National HIV/AIDS on Dec. 1, 2016 in Bridgetown, Barbados. Photo: Getty Images
3. She knows where she came from.
While some celebrities gain fame and never look back on their lives and where they grew, Rihanna is constantly visiting the island where she grew up, Barbados. Whether she is attending a festival, a charity event or simply visiting family, the singer makes it her business to visit the place that made her.
4. Her laidback attitude.
At the 59th annual Grammy Awards, Rihanna accessorized her outfit with a bedazzled flask and took shots of alcohol throughout the show.
5. She makes sure no one is left behind.
Rihanna is still friends with the people she grew up with in Barbados and brings them along to travel with her, one person in particular, her best friend Melissa Forde. The photographer can often be seen by Rihanna’s side attending events, heading out to dinner, on vacation or goofing around on social media.
6. She loves her fans.
While some celebrities simply smile when asked to take a picture or meeting a fan, Rihanna has never been shy about showing her fans affection. Whether she is grabbing a body part or giving them a hug, the singer treats her fans like she has known them for years.
7. Her tattoos.
Rihanna is said to have more than 22 tattoos and every single one looks awesome on her. From her hands to her feet and everywhere in between, it is clear that anytime the “Desperado” singer gets new ink it will be the topic of discussion.
8. She’s sensitive despite her tough girl act.
“I do have a vulnerable side. I think a lot of people have a misperception of me. They only see the tough, defensive, aggressive side. But every woman is vulnerable. They have vulnerability. So of course I’m going to have that side. It’s not a major part of who I am, but it’s definitely there. I just don’t like people to see me cry-I don’t like to let them know when I’m bothered. You know? I just prefer it to be all about business, and then whatever I’m dealing with, let me deal with that alone, because I don’t want it to affect anything in my professional life,” she told Interview magazine.
9. Her Instagram account.
From throwing shade at anyone who tries to cross her to posting the hottest photo, Rihanna’s Instagram account has it all. Fashion, humor, a look into the singer’s personal life and a lot more.
10. She’s hilarious.
When she is not joking around with her close friends, the singer is busy playing major pranks on unsuspecting celebrities. Rihanna scared late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel out of his sleep with an epic April fools’ prank.
11. She has her own holiday.
Feb. 22, two days after her actual birthday, is known as Rihanna Day in Barbados.
Rihanna knows how to work the crowd on any stage. The singer is pictured performing onstage during the MTV Video Music Awards Aug. 28, 2016 in New York City. Photo: Getty Images
12. Dance moves onstage.
Yes, she can capture anyone’s attention but when she hops on stage, her smooth moves create a dance party for the entire audience and sooner or later everyone is on their feet trying to keep up with the energetic artist.
13. She’s not afraid to be sexy.
While some artists are afraid to show off their sexual side Rihanna completely embraces it. With songs like “Sex with Me,” “Pour It Up” and “S&M,” the singer makes it okay for women to express themselves.
14. And she won’t let anyone shame her for it.
When TLC member T-Boz accused Rihanna of selling sex to become famous, the singer posted a photo of the girl group topless to her Twitter account which made T-Boz look like a total hypocrite.
15. She was banned from Instagram.
In this day and age being banned from social media is like the end of the world but for Rihanna, it had a completely different message. Instagram blocked the singer after she refused to censor her photos, #Rebel.
16. She has amazing hair.
The singer is known for constantly changing up her hairstyle and she always looks good. Whether she’s in a hat or a messy bun, Rihanna is immune to having bad hair days. It isn’t fair, but she is Rihanna after all.
17. She’s human.
Just because she is a celebrity doesn’t mean she doesn’t face real problems. The singer dealt with a very public breakup from singer Chris Brown when he physically assaulted her before the 2009 Grammy Awards.
18. She’s not afraid to reflect on her problems.
In 2012, Rihanna and Eminem premiered the song “Love the Way You Lie” about an unstable and abusive relationship, something many believe was based on Rihanna’s relationship with Brown.
19. She is strong.
Growing up, Rihanna watched her father struggle with an alcohol, cocaine and marijuana addiction.
Rihanna has a shoe line with Puma. Pictured (left to right) Gigi Hadid, Rihanna and Bella Hadid attending the Fenty Puma by Rihanna AW16 Collection during Fall New York Fashion Week on Feb. 12, 2016 in New York City. Photo: Getty Images
20. Her sense of style
Not only did she have a clothing line with River Island, but Rihanna partnered with Fenty x Puma for a shoe collection which won the shoe of the year award in 2016.
21. Her legs.
Yes, she has amazing legs, but did you know her legs took home Gillette’s Venus Breeze celebrity legs of a goddess award in 2007? After being awarded the honor she insured her legs for $1 million.
22. She cares for others.
Rihanna founded the Believe Foundation back in 2006 to help terminally ill children.
23. Her dating life.
Despite one terrible romance, Rihanna has been romantically linked to several hot Hollywood stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Josh Hartnett and Shia LaBeouf, but let’s be real, everyone is hoping for a Drake and Rihanna reunion, #AubRih.
24. She loves herself.
The singer once said, “The minute you learn to love yourself, you won’t want to be anyone else.”
25. She is self-made.
The songstress left her friends and family in Barbados at the age of 16 to move to America and become a superstar.
26. She is unapologetic.
Although she is in the spotlight, she lives like nobody is watching. The singer has been photographed smoking weed, drinking in the street and twerking at a festival and in every photo, she looks like she is having an absolute blast.
27. Her fan base.
The Rihanna Navy worships their queen and with good reason, not only is she an amazing artist but she is known to show her appreciation to her fans. From buying them pizza as they wait in line to spending some extra time to pose with them, the singer never disappoints.
28. AubRih.
A man shouldn’t define a woman but true fans of Rihanna just want to see the songstress happy and we absolutely loved her relationship with Drake. How can you not want to spend your life with a man who professed his love to you at the 2016 MTV Awards?
29. She will always live her truth so there is only more greatness to come.
“When you realize who you live for, and who’s important to please, a lot of people will actually start living. I am never going to get caught up in that. I’m gonna look back on my life and say that I enjoyed it – and I lived it for me.” – Rihanna once said.
Happy birthday, Rihanna!
Rihanna will be 29 years old on Feb. 20. Rihanna is pictured attending the 59th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 12, 2017 in Los Angeles. Photo: Getty Images
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