On the eve of the 2025 Met Gala, all eyes were on Rihanna — not just for her show-stopping entrance (in Marc Jacobs no less), but for the news she quietly revealed before even stepping onto the red carpet. Dressed in custom couture, the multi-hyphenate confirmed she’s expecting her third child, sending fans into a frenzy of both congratulations and speculation: what does this mean for R9, the singer's long-awaited – almost mythical – ninth studio album?
BUT we now have a morsel more of information, direct from the source herself. Speaking to reporters on the Met steps yesterday, the singer opened up about how she’s feeling during her third pregnancy. “I’m good,” she shared. “Shockingly not too overwhelmed right now.”
When asked if the new baby might slow down her musical momentum, Rihanna was quick to reassure. “No,” she sang in response. “Maybe a few videos [might pause], but I could still sing.”
So there we have it. One thing is clear: R9 is not abandoned (and we're already thinking about visuals... )
It’s been nearly a decade since Anti left its mark, and while Rihanna’s empire has expanded — from Fenty Beauty to Savage X, to motherhood itself — the question that always follows her is the same: “Where is the album?”
Back in 2020, Rihanna stoked excitement by suggesting the release was imminent. “Music is still my first love,” she said. “I can’t wait to put something out that I’m proud of.” Five years later, that moment has yet to arrive — though, according to Rihanna, the delay isn’t due to a lack of love for the craft.
Behind the scenes, the singer continues to juggle a global brand portfolio, family life, and the creative process. “I have to be on top of everything,” she’s said. “Music sometimes takes a backseat because of timelines and production for other projects — things people don’t always see.”
When will it be released?
No firm release date has been confirmed, but if there’s one thing Rihanna fans have learned, it’s patience. And if her past is any indication, when R9 does drop — it’ll be nothing short of iconic.
