Rihanna talks album progress, reveals she won’t be part of Taylor Swift’s concert squad

Rihanna shared some of her thoughts about performing with Taylor Swift, as well as gave a quick progress update on her upcoming album, during a recent interview with NME magazine.

The “Diamonds” singer, who graces the cover of NME magazine’s latest issue, told the publication that she won’t be joining Swift on the stage as part of the pop singer’s concert squad, E!News reported. Rihanna further said her appearance in the “Bad Blood” singer’s concert won’t make sense, given that their “brands are [not] the same.” “I don't think they match. I don't think our audiences are the same," Riri added.

Knowing how people may misunderstand and think that she was throwing a shade at the "Shake It Off" singer via her statement, the Barbadian beauty clarified that she's not talking badly about Swift and considers her a “role model.”

Apart from that, the “Where Have You Been” crooner also revealed to NME magazine that she has yet to finish her new album, which her fans have dubbed “R8.” However, Rihanna promised to deliver “something great” for her fans. The singer said, “It’s not done! To me it’s never done until it’s done. Until the final moment.”

Despite the delays, Rihanna is looking forward to releasing her new album as fans have been eagerly waiting for it. She said, “No matter what I post online, within three comments there’s somebody saying, ‘Where is ‘R8’?’ I could post anything. Nothing else matters. They don’t care about anything but that. But it makes me excited, because I can’t wait to give them something great.”

In other news, the multi-awarded singer has also enlisted the help of British singer and songwriter, Charli XCX, to compose a few songs for her eighth album, according to the Mirror. The talented British musician was reportedly excited with the opportunity and shared that she’s a “really big Rihanna fan.” Charli XCX even described the Barbadian singer as an “incredible artist” and the “real deal.”

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.