We already know anything Rihanna does causes mass hysteria. And the Barbadian beauty doesn’t make it any easier on her fans with her ever-elusive nature, meaning each career move she makes is a cause for celebration.
Now, she may be bouncing back from having a baby in the most epic way possible. While she is still yet to release new music, The Believe It hitmaker is giving us the next best thing - she is performing at the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
The singer broke the news yesterday by sharing a picture of her hand holding an NFL-branded football on her Instagram page.
Apple, who is the event’s main sponsor, also confirmed the news. “"IT'S ON. @rihanna will take the stage for the first ever Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show on 2.12.23," they said in a Tweet.
IT'S ON.@rihanna will take the stage for the first ever Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show on 2.12.23. #SBLVII @NFL @NFLonFOX @RocNation pic.twitter.com/Kz1YY19zAA
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) September 25, 2022
The news came amid reports that the singer was in talks to headline the show. The Super Bowl typically draws in one of the single biggest TV audiences of the year in the United States, and marks a prestigious career milestone for musicians who perform at the Half Time Show.
“Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn,” said Jay-Z in the official announcement by Roc Nation, Rihanna’s management label. “A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment.”
While the news of her performance is indeed exciting, this is not the first time the Fenty Beauty founder has been approached by the NFL. In 2019, the singer turned down an offer to headline the Half Time Show in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick.
Now, she will join a bevy of other female pop sensations who have headlined the Super Bowl stage, including Madonna, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Jenifer Lopez and Shakira, Mary J Blige, and Patti Labelle.
The Superbowl will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on 12 February 2023.
