R&B/Pop superstar Rihanna gets a special tribute from Diamond-selling Soul/Pop artist Adele for TIME’s annual 100 Most Influential People of 2018.
In her feedback, Adele describes why she loves the unapologetic Rihanna and why she’s an icon.
“I actually can’t remember the first time I met Rihanna; I was probably numb from the shock of it,” writes Adele. “She is one year older than me, but I feel like she’s been around forever. The progression of her superstardom feels steady, well deserved and extremely natural.”
Adele went on to speak about Rihanna’s entry into music with “Pon De Replay” and her leap to superstardom with the 2007 mega-hit single, “Umbrella.”
“It crossed her over to every platform and into everyone’s lives,” she divulged. “It felt like she had truly arrived, and she hasn’t slowed down since.”
Adele also spoke about RiRi’s trendsetting career. “She has designed and conquered an entire lane of her own,” she wrote. “The innovative and groundbreaking world of Rihanna that no one else will ever be safe in and get away with copying. She makes her own rules and bends ours.”
A stand out is that Adele highlighted Rihanna’s realness and grounded star who “doesn’t give a fuck.” “Whenever I’ve met her, she’s been the most gracious, loyal and funny goofball of an icon,” she confessed. “She glows like when someone’s taken a picture with a flash and you’re dazed for a few minutes after. But it’s also very clear in that glow that she genuinely doesn’t give a fuck; she’s fearless and full of all the right kind of attitude to be everything that she is and will be forever.”