“No, maybe a couple of videos,” Rihanna has insisted her new album won’t be delayed too much by her pregnancy. The singer’s comments have reassured fans who have been waiting nearly a decade for new music from the global superstar.
The 37-year-old pop star – who is expecting her third child with her partner A$AP Rocky – confirmed the happy news at the Met Gala on Monday (05.05.25), and some fans were wondering if it will impact her long awaited record. Her appearance at the prestigious fashion event marked her first public confirmation of the pregnancy, with her custom-designed gown highlighting her baby bump.
Speaking to ‘Entertainment Tonight’, the ‘Umbrella’ hitmaker was asked if the album – which has been dubbed ‘R9’ – will be “put on pause even longer”, she said: “No, maybe a couple of videos.” This statement has given hope to her dedicated fanbase who have been eagerly anticipating new music from the Barbadian artist.
Fans have been waiting nine years for the collection, but RiRi hinted plans are still in place. The extended hiatus has been unprecedented in her career, as she previously released albums at a much more frequent pace during the early stages of her musical journey.
She quipped: “I can sing!” Her lighthearted response reflects her characteristic confidence and suggests she remains committed to her music career despite her expanding family and business empire.
Rihanna – who already has sons RZA, two, and Riot, 21 months, with Rocky – also revealed she isn’t “too overwhelmed” by her pregnancy, although there was some initial shock. Her growing family has become a central focus in her life, with the star often sharing glimpses of her journey into motherhood.
She added: “I’m good! I’m shockingly feeling ok, and not too overwhelmed at the moment. At first it was kinda like, ‘Ahhh!’ ” Her candid approach to discussing the challenges and joys of pregnancy has resonated with fans and fellow parents alike.
In the meantime, fans are still waiting for the follow-up to 2016’s ‘Anti‘. The critically acclaimed album marked a significant artistic evolution for Rihanna, featuring hits like “Work,” “Needed Me,” and “Love on the Brain,” and established her as one of music’s most innovative artists.
While details are few and far between, in February she offered a tease of what fans can expect from the album. These occasional updates have kept anticipation high despite the lengthy wait, with each new interview bringing fresh speculation about the project’s direction.
She told Harper’s BAZAAR magazine: “I’ve been in the studio the whole eight years. But it didn’t hit me. I was searching for it. Her commitment to artistic authenticity has apparently contributed to the extended timeline, as she refuses to release music that doesn’t meet her exacting standards.
“I went through phases of what I wanted to do. ‘This kind of album, not that album’. I know it’s not going to be anything that anybody expects. Her willingness to experiment and evolve has been a hallmark of her musical career, with each album showcasing new sounds and influences.
“And it’s not going to be commercial or radio, digestible. It’s going to be where my artistry deserves to be right now. I feel like I’ve finally cracked it, girl!” This statement suggests R9 may represent her most experimental and personal work to date, potentially moving away from mainstream pop formulas.
Rihanna insisted there was “no genre” for the album, and she has been determined to make the next batch of songs something “matching [her] evolution”. This genre-defying approach aligns with her previous musical ventures, which have spanned pop, R&B, dance, reggae, and hip-hop influences.
She added: “After a while, I looked at it, and I was like, this much time away from music needs to count for the next thing everyone hears. During her musical hiatus, Rihanna has built a business empire including Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty, and various other ventures.
“It has to count. It has to matter. I have to show them the worth in the wait. Her perfectionist approach suggests that the upcoming album will represent a significant artistic statement rather than a commercial release.
“I cannot put up anything mediocre. After waiting eight years, you might as well just wait some more.” The singer’s dedication to quality over quantity has become a defining aspect of her later career, as she balances motherhood, entrepreneurship, and her musical legacy.
