"This thick skin has been developing since my first day at school. It didn't happen after fame; I couldn't survive fame if I didn't already have it. So sometimes the toughest thing in life is to be vulnerable."

• Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on Feb. 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados

• Rihanna's first No. 1 hit was 2006's "SOS," which sampled "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell. Her 2006 album, A Girl Like Me, became her first to crack the Top 10, peaking at No. 5. She has since amassed more than 100 million in RIAA gold and platinum certifications, making her the artist with the most singles certifications.

• Rihanna earned her first career GRAMMY for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for 2007 for "Umbrella," featuring Jay Z. She made her GRAMMY stage debut at the 50th GRAMMY Awards in 2008, performing "Umbrella."

• Rihanna was an army cadet during high school, and she reached the rank of corporal.

• Rihanna was among the performers at the 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute to Lionel Richie, performing his hit "Say You Say Me." The annual gala raises funds for MusiCares, which provides services and resources that cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies for music people.

• Rihanna is the founder of the Clara Lionel Foundation, which she founded in 2012 to support health and education projects around the world.