Ed Sheeran Credits Rihanna for Big Hits

Ed Sheeran Biggest Hits

Ed Sheeran revealed he originally wrote two of his biggest hits, Shape of You and Love Yourself, with Rihanna in mind. During an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Sheeran explained that many songwriters aim to craft tracks for Rihanna due to her impeccable taste.

Though Shape of You became one of his signature songs, he initially doubted its fit for his style. The track, released in 2017, has since surpassed 4.2 billion Spotify streams, proving its universal appeal, even if Rihanna never recorded it.

Rihanna’s Influence on Songwriters

Sheeran described Rihanna as having “the best taste” in music, inspiring songwriters worldwide to create their best work with her in mind. He admitted that for every album, he attempts to write a potential Rihanna track.

This approach isn’t unique to Sheeran; many artists pitch songs to her, knowing her selections often become hits. Rihanna’s ability to spot chart-topping material has solidified her reputation as a music industry icon, even during her hiatus from releasing new albums.

Shape of You’s Surprising Origins

Shape of You, one of Sheeran’s biggest hits, was initially intended for Rihanna. Sheeran told Fallon that the song didn’t feel like “him” at first, but after tweaks, he embraced it.

The track’s infectious melody and lyrics about attraction made it a global phenomenon. Despite its success, Sheeran admitted he had to mentally adjust to performing it, as he envisioned Rihanna’s voice on it. The song’s massive streaming numbers (4.2 billion on Spotify alone) highlight its enduring popularity.

Love Yourself’s Rihanna Connection

Before Justin Bieber made Love Yourself a hit, Sheeran and Benny Blanco wrote it with Rihanna in mind. The emotional ballad, which topped charts in 2015, showcases Sheeran’s songwriting versatility.

Rihanna’s preference for powerful, emotive tracks made her the ideal target for the song. Though she passed on it, Bieber’s rendition became iconic. Sheeran’s revelation underscores how many hits are initially pitched to Rihanna before finding success with other artists.

Rihanna, A Muse for Artists

Sheeran agreed with Fallon’s remark that Rihanna is “like a muse” for songwriters. Her influence extends beyond her discography; many artists craft songs hoping she’ll record them.

Sheeran noted that some of the best songs in the industry were written with Rihanna in mind, even if she never sings them. Her ability to inspire hit-making demonstrates her lasting impact on pop culture and music.

Why Rihanna Picks Great Songs

According to Sheeran, Rihanna has an unmatched ear for hits. Her track record of selecting smash singles, from Umbrella to Diamonds proves her keen musical instincts.

Songwriters compete to pitch to her, knowing her approval often leads to success. Even during her music hiatus, her influence persists, with artists still writing with her in mind.

Rihanna’s Eight-Year Album Wait

Since ANTI (2016), Rihanna has kept fans waiting nearly a decade for new music. In a 2025 Harper’s Bazaar interview, she addressed the delay, stating, “I cannot put up anything mediocre.” 

The pressure to follow ANTI, a critically acclaimed, genre-defying masterpiece, weighs heavily. Meanwhile, her billion-dollar Fenty empire and motherhood shifted priorities. Yet, she assured fans the eventual release will justify the wait, teasing a “reinvention” rather than a rushed project.

Rihanna’s Perfectionism Delays Album

Rihanna’s perfectionism is legendary, tracks scrapped, deadlines ignored, all in pursuit of greatness. She admitted to recording “hundreds” of unreleased songs since ANTI, none meeting her vision. 

“If it doesn’t feel like ‘this is it,’ why force it?” she told Harper’s Bazaar. This uncompromising ethos mirrors icons like Beyoncé and Frank Ocean, who prioritize artistry over trends.

Sheeran’s Songwriting Strategy Revealed

Ed Sheeran’s hit-making blueprint includes a secret weapon: writing for Rihanna. “Every album, I try to craft a song for her,” he told Jimmy Fallon.

This tactic isn’t unique; Max Martin and Sia have also tailored tracks for her, knowing her Midas touch (“Diamonds,” “Umbrella”). Though Rihanna passed on Shape of You and Love Yourself, Sheeran’s pivot to keeping them birthed two era-defining hits.

Rihanna’s Lasting Music Industry Impact

Rihanna’s influence transcends her hiatus. Artists still chase her co-sign, producers save beats for her, and writers emulate her signature blend of vulnerability and swagger.

She’s a curator of culture, ANTI’s experimental sound paved the way for today’s genre-fluid hits. As Sheeran noted, “Her taste is unmatchable.” Even without new albums, her legacy thrives: streams of Umbrella surged 300% during a 2023 viral trend. Whenever she returns, the industry will reset around her.

From Pitch to Global Hit

Shape of You and Love Yourself were Rihanna rejects yet became generational anthems. Sheeran’s confession reveals how hits often begin as pitches for megastars. 

“We stripped Shape down, made it guitar-driven, and suddenly it fit me,” he shared. Similarly, Bieber’s Love Yourself was almost a country ballad before its acoustic reinvention. These pivots highlight music’s collaborative alchemy: a song’s destiny isn’t fixed.

Rihanna’s Comeback, Worth the Wait?

Rihanna’s “soon come” album teases and tests fan loyalty. ANTI’s eight-year shadow looms large, but her Harper’s Bazaar vow, “It’ll be worth it”, hints at something revolutionary.

Will it blend Caribbean roots (R9 rumors suggest dancehall)? Address motherhood or partner with new-gen prodigies like Tems? Critics argue streaming’s fast-churn model makes delays risky, but Rihanna defies norms. Her 2023 Super Bowl show proved her star power hasn’t dimmed.

Sheeran’s Honesty About Hit-Making

Sheeran’s Fallon interview peeled back music’s curtain: hits aren’t always personal, they’re strategic. Writing for Rihanna, he explained, pushes composers to “level up.” 

It’s an open secret in the industry; Rolling Stone reports 60% of Top 40 songs are initially pitched to others. “You write for the best to bring out your best,” Sheeran said. His Divide album housed three such tracks, including Galway Girl (meant for Beyoncé).

Rihanna’s Unmatched Musical Instincts

From Umbrella to Work, Rihanna’s ear for hits is scientific. She transforms demos into landmarks, SOS sampled Soft Cell, Bitch Better Have My Money flipped aggression into art.

Billboard credits her with ‘rewriting pop’s rulebook’ by embracing risk, and she’s in legendary company. Want to know more about female artists who’re ruling the music world? Check out these chart-topping queens who’ve ruled Billboard.

When Will Rihanna Return?

While Rihanna hasn’t confirmed a release date, her Harper’s Bazaar comments suggest new music is coming. Until then, fans and artists alike will keep her in mind just as Sheeran did.

And speaking of Rihanna’s next big move, could it be walking down the aisle? Rumors are swirling that she and A$AP Rocky might finally be planning to tie the knot.

Do you want to know more about Rihanna’s impact on other artists’ careers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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