FIRST ON HIPHOSSIP: RIHANNA confirms she is ROMANCING CHRIS BROWN!!

RIHANNA has confirmed her relationship with R&B star CHRIS BROWN, by admitting they are "very close". The pair have frustrated fans and the press by refusing to speak out about their relationship - despite being inseparable for months, and even holidaying together in the Caribbean.

Speaking to Elle magazine, Rihanna, 20, stops short of confessing her love for 19-year-old Brown - but she admits they are more than just friends. The Umbrella hitmaker says, "We've always been friend. But we're very close now." As of my press time, she says "she's in LOVE with him." Remember.....broken here FIRST on HIPHOSSIP!