K well I can see this conversation is going nowhere really.
We can fight all we want over stats and compare reasons why one succeeded or didn't, but at the end of the day it's their position that counts.
And as it stands, Rihanna is not really a threat to Beyoncé. Beyoncé is regarded as an elite performer. She is the performer of her generation. As much as you want to dispute it, no one else is as revered for that. She's also immensely respected and beloved. Each time Rihanna has slayed, it has taken nothing from Beyoncé's popularity or legacy. As everyone says, she hasn't had a massive smash single since 2009 and yet is a bigger than she ever was in 2009. She has the most Grammy nominations of any woman. Her name holds immense power. She was named the most Influential Person in the World. She makes millions each year. She still manages to introduce iconic catch-phrases into the public consciousness without selling 8 million singles. She's Beyoncé. There's a reason these things are made about her: