RIHANNA Secrets to Her Success

One of the world’s most celebrated entertainers just keeps rising higher and higher.

Robyn Rihanna Fenty, best known by her middle name, is one of the most celebrated entertainers of our time. Originally from the Caribbean island of Barbados, Rihanna has a multitude of hit songs spanning the last decade — from 2007’s ubiquitous “Umbrella,” to last year’s “Love on the Brain.”

Today, she is known for much more than tracks laid down in the studio: the actress (“Battleship,” the forthcoming “Ocean’s 8”), entrepreneur (her Fenty fashion and beauty lines) and philanthropist is a cultural force to be reckoned with at the young age of 29. But then, she has been making history since becoming a star — she’s the youngest solo artist to score 14 #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold more than 54 million albums and 210 million tracks worldwide.

It all began with an impromptu 2003 performance that Rihanna gave for vacationing music executive. Her talent led to an audition with Def Jam Records’ then-new president, Jay-Z, who was equally impressed with her talent.

“I remember staring into everyone’s eyes in the room at the audition while I was singing, and at that point, I was fearless,” Rihanna recalled. “But, the minute I stopped singing, I was like, ‘Oh, my God, Jay-Z is sitting right in front of me.’” Jay-Z was every bit as wowed by Rihanna’s commanding presence, and he signed her to the label  on the spot. “When I left Barbados, I didn’t look back,” she said. “I wanted to do what I had to do, even if it meant moving to America.”

Musically influenced by such iconic talents as Madonna, Bob Marley, Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey, Rihanna appeals to people in every corner of the world: over 81 million Facebook fans, 57 million followers on Twitter and 35 million on Instagram. And she is putting her influence to good use, by giving back to people in need: Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation was established in 2012 and was named after her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. The foundation works to improve the quality of life for communities globally in the areas of health, education, arts and culture.