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island of St Michael, Barbados. She was raised by her father, a Caucasian Barbadian and her mother a Guyanese born native of Barbados. She participated in many beauty pageants and talent contests yet never imagined the success that would soon dignify her in so little time.

While vacationing in Barbados, New York music producer Evan Roberts discovered the young talent and helped her record demo material along with his partner Carl Sturken. Roberts had a successful history of producing many pop artists such as Kelly Clarkson,*NSYNC, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, Rod Stewart and Laura Pausini. Rihanna's demos were sent out to major record labels and she eventually auditioned for Def Jam's CEO, Jay-Z (Shawn Carter). The singer was signed immediately.

Her first single to be released was "Pon de Replay" in 2005 from her debut album Music of the Sun. The hit song impressively reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 as well as the UK singles Chart. Rihanna's second single, "If It's Lovin That You Want" was released a short while later, however it did not succeed as well as her first single yet was still a qualifier of the top twenty in many countries. Music of the Sun reached top album status in several countries and was eventually certified platinum. The singer was quickly given the opportunity to promote her album while on tour with the talented Gwen Stefani.

Eight months later, in April of 2006, her second album A Girl Like Me was released. Rihanna's single "SOS" peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The track also debuted as number one on the Hot Digital Songs chart becoming the first biggest digital single ever. The second single from this album, "Unfaithful" proved to also be a sensation by becoming her third single to place in the top ten.

Rihanna has already earned several achievements such as the MTV Video Music Award Japan's Best New Artist in 2006, as well as the MuchMusic Video Award for Best International Artist in 2006. The songstress also displayed her acting talent by making a cameo in the film Bring It On: All or Nothing in 2006.