Rihanna finally confirms new album release with Instagram message to fan

The release of 'R9' will mark the singer's ninth studio record

Rihanna has confirmed when she’ll be releasing her next album.

Rumours had suggested the singer would drop new material in 2019, and only now has she confirmed the news – very succinctly – via Instagram.

Responding to a photo promoting a new shade of lipstick, released as part of her Fenty beauty line, one fan asked: “But when is the new album dropping? Can we have a release date for that?”

It turns out they could – Rihanna responded: “2019.”

The new record will be the singer’s first since ANTI was released in 2016. It’ll be her ninth studio album.

More details on the album are currently unknown, including who she’ll be collaborating with.

With the new record’s release, Rihanna will be hoping to score her third number one and ninth consecutive top ten.

This year, the singer starred in Ocean’s 8 alongside an ensemble of female actors, including Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter and Mindy Kaling. She also turned down the chance to play the 2019 Super Bowl halftime show to support Colin Kaepernick who was shut out by the NFL after taking a knee in protest of police brutality in the US. Maroon 5 will play the show instead.

Rihanna also turned down the chance to play the 2019 Super Bowl halftime show to support Colin Kaepernick, who was shut out by the NFL after taking a knee in protest of police brutality in the US. Maroon 5 will play the February show instead.