52 Across

NYT Daily ? September 17, 2025

One-named Barbadian superstar

Answer:

RIHANNA

Hint:

This Grammy-winning artist founded the Clara Lionel Foundation and sang the 2015 hit "Work" featuring Drake.

Explanation:

This clue points to a globally famous singer from Barbados who’s known by just one name. "One-named" hints at mononymous celebrities, and "Barbadian" narrows it down to someone from that Caribbean island—like Rihanna, who was born Robyn Fenty but is universally recognized by her first name alone. The term "superstar" confirms her massive fame in music, fashion, and business.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints