9781422276273

knew it was exactly what she wanted to do—and was prepared to do everything it took to become successful and pursue her dreams. It’s clear now that her hard work, passion, and dedication has paid off, as she is one of the most influential and best-selling artists in the music industry. Rihanna attended Combermere High School, and at age fifteen, she performed in and won her school’s talent show, singing Mariah Carey’s hit Hero . In high school, Rihanna was a Barbados Cadet Corps trainee, eventually reaching the rank of corporal . Though she eventually dropped out of high school to pursue her music career, she often mentions the importance of education in her speeches, and expresses how she wishes she had gone to college.

Shontelle & Rihanna’s Shocking Connection —When Rihanna was a cadet in high school, her drill sergeant was Shontelle, best known for her Platinum single Impossible . Shontelle joked that as a drill sergeant, she got to tell Rihanna to “drop and give her ten (push-ups).” Jokes aside, Shontelle was happy to know that she and Rihanna, both from a small town in Barbados, were able to find success in the music industry in their own ways. Fast Fact 1: New Beginnings Rihanna’s career as a musician began when she performed for music producers Evan Rogers and Carl Sunken. In 2003, they were on vacation in Barbados and saw Rihanna sing in a chance concert and, later, at a private audition. At

sixteen years old, her skills impressed these two New York City professionals, and she moved to America to continue working in the music industry with Rogers. This connection, and her performance, jumpstarted her music career.

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Rihanna

Rihanna

HIP-HOP & R&B