Rihanna did not attend the MTV VMAs this year as she was not nominated, performing, or presenting.

She addressed rumors about her retirement from music and confirmed that she is working on her highly anticipated ninth album, stating that she is rediscovering music and starting over in the studio.

Despite her absence at the VMAs, Rihanna recently made public appearances at New York Fashion Week events.

“I think that music, for me, is a new discovery. I’m rediscovering things. I have been working on the album for so long that I kinda put all that stuff aside and now I’m prepared to go back in the studio. I’m gonna start—give me a second!” Rihanna told Entertainment Tonight.