14 DAY TRIAL // Rihanna may be only 21 but, as far as accomplishments go, she has more under her belt than many other female stars twice her age. Her music gets constant airplay and whatever she touches instantly turns to gold. However, what’s more important, Rihanna is also a good role model for young girls and women all over the world, which is why Glamour magazine has decided to name her the Woman of the Year for 2009.
The awards ceremony took place the other night at NYC’s Carnegie Hall and Rihanna, dressed in a fabulous Stephane Rolland creation that barely allowed her to walk properly, took to the stage to thank all those who had helped her get this far both as a person and as an artist. However, before that, she stopped to wipe the tears from her eyes and catch her breath, since she was terribly nervous at having been bestowed such a distinction.
And quite a distinction the Glamour award is, one might as well note. “Every once in a while, a pop star comes along who is so visually magnetic, her music so utterly everywhere, that the world can’t take its eyes off her. There’s no question who that superstar is right now: Her name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty. At 21, Rihanna’s resume could turn even a music industry veteran a major shade of green: Since Jay-Z signed her to Def Jam in 2005, she has scored four number-one hits and has sold more than 12 million albums, a number soon to grow with her just-released album (untitled as of press time). Add to that Rihanna’s self-invented style – a mash-up of Paris couture and street punk, and possibly the best-known haircut on the planet – and you have a full-on fan frenzy.” Glamour magazine writes in the issue also featuring Rihanna on the cover.
Only being named among the other women in showbiz who stood apart from the crowd with their achievements and charitable endeavors was a great honor, Rihanna said in her acceptance speech. The accolade means all that much more to her since she’s barely starting off: at 21, no one can say that she isn’t just at the beginning of the road. However, for her, her mother and grandmother are the real “women of the year,” in that they never cease to inspire her and, at the same time, show their support with everything she does.
“[Wipes tear from her eyes] Sorry, I’m PMSing. As usual, I decided to wear the tightest dress I could find. Shoutout to Amy! I am shaking right now – I am so nervous – but overwhelmed and honored by this honor to be Glamour’s Woman of the Year. I didn’t even know I had to speak, I didn’t know what kind of event it was, I didn’t know anything until a few hours ago. I had to say to [poet] Maya Angelou, I love you but you made this terribly more difficult for me. [Pulls out piece of paper] So I made a little thank-you so I wouldn’t forget anybody.” Rihanna says at the beginning of her acceptance speech.
Below is the clip of the entire moment, including the footage put together by Glamour magazine to illustrate why Rihanna is named the Woman of the Year for 2009.