‘I can sing’: Rihanna refuses to hit pause on R9 after shutting down Met Gala with pregnancy reveal

Congratulations are in order for Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, who are expecting their third child. That’s a surprise Harlem photo shoot, a Super Bowl halftime show, and a Met Gala strut — a hat trick of iconic pregnancy reveals. But amid all the excitement, fans were asking just one question: are we still getting that album?

It’s been nine years since Rihanna dropped ANTI, and fans have been waiting (and memeing) ever since. At one point, there were strong rumors of a dancehall album — until Rihanna’s priorities shifted after starting a family with Rocky. To be fair, the two seem to be living a grounded, quietly joyful life. Rihanna has said Rocky (as she affectionately calls him) has helped her stay centered and reminded her what really matters.

Still, let’s not forget: Rihanna released her first seven albums in seven years. In her prime, she was one of the hardest-working pop stars the industry has ever seen. These days, it’s Tyla and Billie Eilish’s time to dominate — and Rihanna has been nothing but supportive of the new guard, even saying she’d love to collaborate on her long-anticipated comeback, a comment Billie was understandably elated about. As for Tyla, she’s had the honor of being consistently crowned the heir apparent to Rihanna.

And it’s not like she’s been idle. Between building a beauty and fashion empire, starring in films, and, you know, parenting, Rihanna’s schedule has been more stacked than a Fenty gloss shelf. So when fans saw another pregnancy reveal, the support came flooding in — along with some tongue-in-cheek “Guess the album’s never coming” comments.

The Navy is always watching. Anytime Rihanna so much as walks a red carpet, they’re ready to shout “WHERE’S R9?” She claims to always be in the studio, and to be fair, she’s usually pretty good-natured about the teasing — either giving cute updates or dodging microphones with a smirk.

But this time? She didn’t dodge. When Entertainment Tonight asked if the pregnancy meant another album delay, Rihanna responded that maybe there’d be “a few videos,” but then dropped the three magic words fans have been dying to hear: I can sing.

This is what we came for! 🥹 Rihanna glows as she reveals her third pregnancy at the #MetGala and gives an R9 update. pic.twitter.com/EYFDQWFDfP

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) May 6, 2025

As for those other three words, we’re assuming they’re saved for Rocky. He’s having a stellar year himself — beating a serious court case, starring in a new Spike Lee/Denzel Washington collab, chairing the Met Gala, and now expecting baby number three? The man’s on a redemption arc worthy of its own album.

Rihanna’s fans, though? They’re not exactly holding their breath. One fan said the hiatus has lasted far too long. Another even joked it lasted like 100 years.

She’s saying this like her hiatus hasn’t already been going on longer than all of her kids have been conceived or in the world 😭😭

— 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 (@TheRomaniBanks) May 6, 2025

She’s lying again, it’s been 100 years 😭

— steven ☀️ (@arianaunext) May 6, 2025

Still, for some reason, I believe her this time. She seems at peace, creatively secure, and probably has enough material for a double album if she wanted to. So maybe — maybe — not a music video, but an album? It actually feels like it might finally be time. Besides, she already gave us the lead single for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, so she’s clearly got more hits tucked away in a vault somewhere.