Rihanna Through The Years

As the singer turns 21, take a look back at her rise to stardom

1998

Long before the world knew her as Rihanna, Robyn Fenty posed for her first passport photo when she was 10 years old. The singer was born in Barbados and lived on the island until 2003.

2005

The young singer performed at Roc La Familia in Toronto on July 30. The event was hosted by Jay-Z, who quickly became her mentor after discovering her and signing her to his Def Jam label.

ugh eww he's so ugly

2005

Rihanna and Chris Brown both attended the Z100 Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden in NYC on Dec. 16. Before they began dating, Rihanna had said that they "are best friends, like brother and sister."

2006

The singer gave a kiss to fans at the 17tth Annual MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto on June 18. Her first album, Music Of The Sun included the singles, "Pon de Replay" and "If It's Lovin' That You Want."

2006

Rihanna performed her hit song "S.O.S." at the Teen Choice Awards in Universal City, California, on Aug. 20. That night, she won awards for Breakout Artist and R&B Artist.

2006

The star, who considers Beyonce, Gwen Stefani and Maria Carey as her musical influences, sang a duet with Elton John at Conde Nast's 3rd Annual Fashion Rocks concert at Radio City Music Hall in NYC on Sept. 7.

2007

The singer hit the stage in a sexy black leather costume during her concert in NYC on Oct. 11. "The label didn't want me to do this look," the singer said of her edgy bob. "But it made me stand out as an artist. I don't care who likes it -- this is me."

2008

Rihanna debuted her collection of umbrellas at the Macy's in Herald Square in NYC on Feb. 5. The success began pouring down on the star after her summer anthem, "Umbrella" spent seven seeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

2008

With multiple nominations, Rihanna won her first Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration -- for "Umbrella" featuring Jay-Z -- at the 50th annual music awards ceremony in L.A. on Feb. 10.

again with his ugly mug

2008

She and then-boyfriend Brown -- their romance began in early 2008 after they were spotted kissing at her surprise birthday party -- performed at Z100's Jingle Ball in NYC on Dec. 12.

2009

Rihanna attended Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party in L.A. on Feb. 7 -- the day before Brown allegedly attacked the singer and was arrested and charged with making criminal threats.