Long before she became one of the world’s most celebrated entertainers, Pop force Rihanna– like many an aspiring singer before and after her- found herself frequenting the stages of many a talent contest in a bid to flaunt her skills to anyone willing to pay attention.

Now check out this Throwback Footage of the ‘Music Of The Sun‘ beauty performing Mariah Carey‘s ‘Hero’ at a talent contest less than a year before she was signed to Island Def Jam by on/off mentor Jay Z and X Factor USA judge LA Reid, below…

Though it would be nice to say Ms. Fenty’s voice has come a long way since this performance, it is a shame to say that it hasn’t.

While it is unfair to expect someone as young as pre-record deal Rihanna to possess the vocal skill of someone with twice as much training as her, there is no question that the average person would not even dare to consider a career in music with a voice like hers.

Thus making her success all the more commendable, for what she has always lacked in discernible talent she has made up for in personality and undeniably good Pop music.

Here’s to hoping the next era of Ms. ‘Umbrella’s career sees her display the talent her label and fans remain adamant she has so much of.

Your thoughts?