LA Reid has revealed that Beyoncé is partly responsible for Rihanna's big break.

The Epic Records boss has opened up in forthcoming autobiography Sing to Me: My Story of Making Music, Finding Magic, and Searching for Who's Next about meeting Rihanna when she was 17.

Jay Z and Beyoncé brought her to an inhouse showcase event - but it was the 'Single Ladies' star that made Reid realise Rihanna's potential.

The label man said: "The funny thing about Rihanna's success was that we signed two girls at that time - Rihanna and a lovely young lady named Teairra Mari.

"We had an in-house company showcase and Beyoncé happened to be there with Jay Z. Teairra Mari, Rihanna, a four-girl group called Black Butterfly and Ne-Yo performed. 

"At the label, we thought Teairra Mari would be the big star. We spent more time on her, did more work on her, paid more attention to her. Rihanna already had a hit with 'Pon De Replay', but we still thought it was the other girl. 

"A bell went off for me, however, when, after the showcase, Beyoncé came up to me. 'That Rihanna girl,' she said, 'she's a beast'."

Jay Z currently looks after Rihanna's management and label work through his company Roc Nation.

Follow us: @Pressparty on Twitter / Pressparty on Facebook. 

Watch Rihanna in action below: