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Rihanna’s Rumoured 2026 UK Comeback

January 2026

Rihanna’s Rumoured 2026 UK Comeback: Anticipated Stadium Tour and Timeless Hits

a younger Rihanna posing

Key Takeaways

  • Rihanna is rumoured to be planning a UK comeback tour in 2026, nearly a decade since her last full tour.
  • The speculation arises as the tenth anniversary of her album ANTI approaches, along with hints of new music.
  • Fans hope to hear iconic tracks like ‘Umbrella’ and ‘Diamonds’ during the anticipated performances.
  • While there are no official confirmations yet, industry insiders suggest summer 2026 could feature UK stadium dates.
  • Registering for ticket alerts is advisable due to high demand once details are officially announced.

A decade later, the stage lights may flicker again

Nearly a decade after her last full UK tour, the stage lights may finally flicker again. Excitement is building around Rihanna’s Rumoured 2026 UK Comeback.

Nearly ten years after her last full UK tour, Rihanna stands on the brink of what could become one of the most anticipated live music returns of the decade. Industry speculation suggests the global superstar may be preparing a UK stadium comeback in 2026, a moment that would unite legacy, demand and perfect timing. With ANTI approaching its tenth anniversary and new music quietly taking shape, the idea of Rihanna returning to British stages feels less like idle rumour and more like a matter of when rather than if.

Context and facts

  • Last tour and latest performance: Rihanna last toured the UK as part of the ANTI World Tour in 2016. Her most recent large-scale live appearance was the Super Bowl LVII halftime show in 2023, where she revealed she was pregnant. Since then, she has focused on her Fenty brands while selectively re-engaging with music and live performance.
  • Personal life: Rihanna is a mother to two sons, RZA and Riot, and has spoken openly about balancing motherhood with her creative career. While she has stepped back from touring in recent years, industry insiders consistently suggest that live performance remains a long-term priority.
  • New music: In interviews during 2024 and 2025, including comments reported by Forbes and Harper’s Bazaar, Rihanna confirmed she has been working on her ninth studio album for several years and recently felt she had “cracked the code.” She has stressed that the project will defy genre expectations and has not committed to a release date. Fans commonly refer to the album as “R9,” though no official title or timeline has been announced.

The speculation

Rihanna in a promotional image underwater

A 2026 tour has not yet been officially confirmed, and there are currently no listings on major ticketing platforms. However, persistent industry chatter points to a potential run of UK stadium dates in summer 2026, with August frequently cited as a likely window.

London Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are widely expected to feature if the tour proceeds, with further speculation around Manchester and Glasgow. Given the length of Rihanna’s touring hiatus, demand for tickets is expected to be exceptionally high. Fans interested in attending would be well advised to monitor official announcements closely and register for ticket alerts as early as possible.

There is also growing belief that Rihanna’s long-awaited ninth album could be released shortly before or during the tour. She has described the new material as unexpected and intentionally unconventional, suggesting any future setlist would blend era-defining hits with fresh material. Until an official announcement is made, all details remain speculative, but the timeline aligns neatly with the ANTI anniversary, and the scale of anticipation continues to build.

Top ten Rihanna songs that fans hope she will perform at the concert

While confirmation of a tour is still pending, revisiting Rihanna’s most celebrated tracks highlights why demand remains so strong. Based on industry rankings and streaming performance, these songs are among those fans most hope to hear live.

1. “Kiss It Better” (2016)
A guitar-driven R&B ballad showcasing Rihanna’s vocal control and emotional range. A standout from ANTI and a long-time fan favourite.

2. “S&M” (2010)
Provocative, high-energy and unapologetic. The song’s bold themes and infectious beat made it one of her most talked-about releases.

3. “Shut Up and Drive” (2007)
A new-wave-inspired track built on heavy guitar riffs and 1980s influences, sampling New Order’s “Blue Monday.”

4. “Umbrella” feat. Jay-Z (2007)
The breakthrough hit that launched Rihanna into global superstardom, instantly recognisable from its opening beat.

5. “Rude Boy” (2010)
A reggae-influenced track rooted in her Barbadian heritage and a staple of her live performances.

6. “We Found Love” feat. Calvin Harris (2011)
A defining dance-pop anthem that dominated charts worldwide and remains a festival favourite.

7. “Only Girl (In the World)” (2010)
An EDM-driven hit centred on empowerment and demand for attention, perfectly suited to stadium settings.

8. “Love on the Brain” (2016)
Inspired by classic soul and doo-wop, this track highlights Rihanna’s raw vocal intensity.

9. “Diamonds” (2012)
A soaring pop ballad with hopeful lyrics that became one of the defining songs of her career.

10. “Work” feat. Drake (2016)
A dancehall-infused hit blending Caribbean influences with pop appeal, closing out the ANTI era in style.

Rihanna staring into distance

Conclusion

Rihanna returning to UK stages after such a long hiatus would be more than a tour. It would represent a cultural reset. A decade on from ANTI, the convergence of era-defining hits, the promise of new music, and modern stadium-scale production positions this rumoured comeback as one of the most significant live events on the horizon.

While official details are still emerging, the indicators are clear. Momentum continues to build, speculation is intensifying, and when confirmation arrives, access is likely to be highly competitive. History suggests opportunities will move quickly, particularly for the most in-demand dates and premium experiences.

For those looking to stay ahead of announcements, explore potential access, or gain clarity on available options once plans are confirmed, registering an enquiry is strongly advised. It remains the most effective way to receive timely updates and be well-positioned when opportunities to attend are released.

Rihanna’s UK Concert Tour
Is Rihanna touring the UK in 2026?
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Rihanna has not yet officially confirmed a UK tour for 2026. However, sustained industry speculation and timing around the ANTI anniversary have led to widespread expectation that a return to UK stages may be announced. Fans are advised to monitor official channels for confirmation.
When are Rihanna UK tour tickets likely to go on sale?
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If a 2026 UK tour is announced, ticket sales would typically follow within weeks of the official reveal. Given the level of demand expected, tickets for major dates are likely to sell quickly once released
Will Rihanna release new music before touring?
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Rihanna has confirmed she is actively working on her ninth studio album, often referred to by fans as “R9.” She has stated the project will defy genre expectations, though no release date has been announced. New music could potentially coincide with or precede a future tour.
What songs is Rihanna likely to perform on a UK tour?
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If a tour goes ahead, setlists are expected to blend career-defining hits such as Umbrella, Diamonds and We Found Love with material from ANTI, alongside possible new releases. Final setlists would only be confirmed once live shows begin.