In reply to kelly.

Well, I don't know that Rihanna can dance very well. I do think she has a voice unlike any on the radio. Her voice really lends itself to any kind of production team or song--she's versatile.

Beyonce isn't an artist made for today's market. She's a real entertainer that won't hop on the "popular" train. Beyonce is rubbing elbows with the president, raising money for his campaign. She's accomplished everything their is to accomplish in the entertainment industry (movies, music, fragrances, clothing, charities, sold-out tours, festivals UN ambassador, best-selling girl group and solo artists, number one albums, grammy's, awards) and she's doing other things--moving on. She's not concerned with being "on top" of music because she's done it already. For 10 years. That's what Rihanna fans are missing. Rihanna is popular, Beyonce is iconic.
Rihanna just isn't that type of artist, which is fine.

'Talk that Talk' failed because it was mediocre, redundant and rushed. For her sake, I hope this album isn't the same. Because if it is, not even the best producers will be able to save her, no matter how hot the songs are. It has to be cutting edge.

As far as Rita Ora goes, time will tell. Don't forget that Rihanna blew on her third album, not her first. I do think that her sound is a little undefined, and Rihanna never, ever had that problem. But then again, she didn't have much of a real identity and she still doesn't. Rihanna can change with trends, which is why she keeps on keeping on. The best "pop" star (not the most iconic or most talented) are ones that can change with and are ahead of trends. Rita seems like she's behind them, to the left of them, or chasing them. I like her, and hope she gets that hit. I DOUBT she'll be dropped. They've got too much invested.