Rihanna’s ‘Only Girl (In the World)’ Reaches 1 Billion YouTube Views, While Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Surpasses 2 Billion
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Despite not releasing an album in nearly a decade, Rihanna continues to be one of the most prominent music stars globally. Evidence of her enduring popularity is shown in the 2010 Anthony Mandler-directed video for her Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Only Girl (In the World),” which has now surpassed one billion views.
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Rihanna now boasts 13 videos as a lead, featured artist, or collaborator that have crossed the billion-view mark. “Only Girl (In the World)” visually mirrors its lyrics, showcasing Rihanna against vibrant backdrops as she symbolizes being the only girl left in the world. The track, part of her fifth studio album, Loud, earned her the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Recording in 2011.
Fifty years after its release, Queen’s iconic rock opera “Bohemian Rhapsody” has achieved over two billion views, making it the oldest song to reach this milestone in YouTube history. The six-minute lead single from their 1975 album, A Night at the Opera, combines elements of balladry, hard rock, and intricate harmonies woven throughout its lyrics.
Before music videos became commonplace, Queen collaborated with Bruce Gowers to create a performance-style visual. The video opens with the members in silhouette singing the intro, transitioning to Freddie Mercury at a grand piano in a striking white outfit.
The visuals follow Mercury across the soundstage and shift to guitarist Brian May showcasing his solo. As the chorus erupts, Gowers employs fractal imagery featuring six versions of the band, culminating in an explosive performance that features Mercury and drummer Roger Taylor delivering the iconic “Galileo” lines amid a dramatic finish.
Viewers can watch “Only Girl (In the World)” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” below.
