Rihanna named Spotify's top female artist for third consecutive year

R&B star Rihanna has been named the most popular female artist in the history of music site Spotify for the third year in a row.

The Umbrella hitmaker beat her pal Katy Perry to keep hold of her title as the website's all-time most-streamed female musician in the world, with Beyonce at three, and Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga rounding out the top five.

However, among female listeners, Beyonce topped the global charts, ahead of Perry at two and Del Rey at three. Rihanna ranked fourth in that list.

The countdowns were released to mark Women's History Month and International Women's Day on Sunday (08Mar15).