JENNIE of BLACKPINK Reveals It ‘Would Be a Dream’ to Be Like Rihanna in This Way

JENNIE holds a profound appreciation for Rihanna, viewing the global icon’s unmatched cultural footprint as a continuous wellspring of inspiration for her own artistic journey.

During a comprehensive cover feature for Cosmopolitan released on Monday, August 3, the BLACKPINK sensation confessed that the Fenty founder serves as her ultimate benchmark for success. “Rihanna will forever remain my absolute aspiration regarding her vast command over pop culture, the broader music landscape, and visual artistry itself,” the renowned K-pop icon shared with the publication.

“She continually ignites my creativity,” she added. “Reaching that level of resonance for myself would be an absolute dream realized.”

Boasting numerous monumental achievements—including 14 chart-topping singles on the Billboard Hot 100—Rihanna was just one of several trailblazing women JENNIE championed during her extensive Cosmo feature, which launched with six distinct, color-coordinated cover variations. In a companion “Blind Date” segment for the magazine’s official YouTube channel, she also expressed deep admiration for her “ExtraL” collaborator Doechii, alongside fellow Chanel house ambassador Gracie Abrams.

“I am completely captivated by Doechii,” JENNIE remarked. “She functions as living inspiration. Everything she produces oozes originality, and it is entirely evident how much dedication and distinct vision she pours into her craft… I felt instantly drawn to her videography and discography from the very beginning. Deep down, I knew instinctively that I needed to collaborate with her. While searching for a powerful, empowering feminine energy that I could genuinely enjoy channeling for the track ‘ExtraL,’ who better to turn to than Doechii?”

This latest interview arrives roughly four months after Abrams penned a touching tribute to the South Korean artist for the prestigious TIME100 list. Reflecting on the gesture, JENNIE admitted, “I had no prior knowledge that she was crafting that piece about me. When I finally encountered it, I was moved to tears and may have even let out a small shriek of excitement.”

“It stands as one of the most thoughtful gestures anyone could possibly make, and Gracie is genuinely an absolute darling,” she continued. “I am an enormous enthusiast of both her catalog and her artistry. Having the privilege to navigate this generation alongside her so closely feels like a profound stroke of good fortune.”

This momentum follows closely on the heels of JENNIE’s latest solo venture, the single “Less Than a Lover,” which made its official debut on July 24. Throughout the summer, she has commanded stages independently from her BLACKPINK counterparts at major international festivals, including Lollapalooza in Chicago and Governor’s Ball in New York City, following the group’s massive DEADLINE World Tour.

When discussing upcoming live performances she eagerly anticipates attending simply as a spectator, JENNIE told Cosmo, “You will undoubtedly find me front row at Rosalía’s show, singing along at the top of my lungs.”

“I am beyond excited to experience her Lux Tour; it looks breathtaking,” she noted, mentioning that she actively practiced the Spanish language to master the track “La Perla.” “My personal mission is to memorize and execute the entire song flawlessly without needing to glance at the lyrics.”

Explore JENNIE’s striking Cosmopolitan cover spread and watch her exclusive “Blind Date” interview below.

View this post on Instagram

Source