Rihanna tops Taylor Swift on Spotify, despite going 10 years without a new album

Rihanna surpasses Taylor Swift in monthly Spotify listeners, a decade after releasing her last studio album

A decade after releasing her last studio album, Rihanna has pulled off a streaming milestone few predicted. The global superstar has officially surpassed Taylor Swift to become the female artist with the most monthly listeners on Spotify, climbing to number four worldwide overall.

The achievement is particularly striking given that Rihanna has not released a full studio album since 2016’s Anti. While Swift has dominated headlines with re recordings, stadium tours and new albums, Rihanna’s catalogue has continued to surge in popularity across generations. Hits such as Umbrella, Diamonds, We Found Love and Needed Me have seen renewed streaming spikes, driven by TikTok trends, viral fan edits and curated playlists.

Fans were quick to celebrate the news across X and Instagram, pushing Rihanna and Taylor Swift into trending topics within hours. Many pointed out that reaching this level without a recent album demonstrates the enduring demand for Rihanna’s music. Others framed it as a friendly pop rivalry moment, reigniting long running comparisons between two of the most influential women in modern music.

The timing has also fuelled speculation about whether new music could finally be on the way. Rihanna has repeatedly hinted that she has been working in the studio, although no official release date has been announced. The streaming milestone has only intensified calls for a long awaited ninth album, with fans joking that she is “winning without even trying”.

Swift, meanwhile, remains one of the most streamed artists globally and continues to break touring and sales records. The Spotify rankings fluctuate frequently, but the symbolism of Rihanna overtaking her has sparked fresh debate about legacy, catalogue strength and global appeal.

Industry analysts note that Rihanna’s cross platform relevance, fashion empire and high profile performances have kept her name in constant circulation, even during her musical hiatus. That sustained visibility appears to have translated directly into streaming numbers.

Ten years on from her last album, Rihanna has proven that absence has not weakened her cultural impact. Instead, it has amplified anticipation. As her Spotify listeners climb and the world watches for her next move, the message from fans is clear. The queen has not left the building.