Billie Eilish says Rihanna is her “complete dream collaboration”.
The ‘Love On The Brain’ hitmaker, 36, recently shared that she would love to collaborate with the ‘Birds of a Feather‘ hitmaker, 22, and Billie has now revealed that she has always longed to work with Rihanna but was afraid to say anything in case her “idol” didn’t like her. The admission highlights the mutual admiration between two generations of groundbreaking female artists.
“I’ve never met Rihanna. She’s literally my idol. She’s the greatest of all time. She’s my complete dream collab. I don’t even answer that question when people are like, ‘Who would you like to collab with?’ But I always think Rihanna. I’m not going to say that, though! Why would I say that?! It’s not real. I would think, like, ‘She probably doesn’t even like me.’ I’ve never heard from her and I’ve never had any interaction with her, so why would I have ever even thought about it?” she told Complex. This candid interview reveals the vulnerability even successful artists experience when considering collaborations with their musical heroes.
“If I could only do a song with Billie Eilish,” Rihanna declared to Access Hollywood in October. This statement from the Barbadian superstar sent waves through the music industry, given her selective approach to collaborations in recent years.
The ‘Diamonds’ hitmaker appeared to doubt that Billie would work with her because she suspects she is not a fan of “commercial music”. This perspective offers insight into how established artists view the younger generation of musicians who often take alternative approaches to mainstream pop.
“Billie Eilish knows me? Billie is the most anti, coolest girl ever. In my mind she doesn’t listen to commercial music. I feel like she’s just creating her diary vocally. You can feel like she’s just zoned into who she is and what she’s experiencing and what she’s feeling,” she continued. Rihanna’s comments reflect the deep respect for Eilish’s authentic artistic expression that has earned her multiple Grammy Awards.
But it turns out, the ‘What Was I Made For?’ singer “would literally do anything” for Rihanna. This enthusiasm showcases the potential for a groundbreaking collaboration between two distinct musical styles.
“‘Well, b****, I’ve been sitting here this whole time!’ What the f*** is she even talking about? Honestly. What do you mean, ‘If only?!’ It’s, like, as if I’ve been saying, ‘No.’ Rihanna! RiRi? I’ll literally do anything you want. That’s insane,” Billie enthused. Her excited response demonstrates the genuine admiration young artists hold for their predecessors in the industry.
The potential collaboration between these two artists would represent a significant moment in contemporary music history. Rihanna, with her nine Grammy Awards and multiple Billboard hits, bringing her R&B and pop expertise together with Eilish’s alternative pop style could create an unprecedented musical experience.
Industry experts note that such a collaboration could bridge different generations of music fans. Rihanna’s established fanbase, combined with Eilish’s younger demographic, could potentially create one of the most anticipated releases in recent years.
Both artists are known for their distinctive vocal styles and innovative approaches to music production. Rihanna’s powerful vocals and Eilish’s ethereal sound could create an interesting dynamic that music critics and fans alike are eager to hear.
The mutual admiration between these artists reflects a broader trend in the music industry where generational gaps are being bridged through collaborative projects. Such partnerships often result in fresh perspectives and groundbreaking musical innovations.
As fans eagerly await any news of an official collaboration, both artists continue to make waves in their respective careers. Rihanna’s last studio album “Anti” was released in 2016, while Eilish recently received critical acclaim for her contribution to the “Barbie” movie soundtrack with “What Was I Made For?”