The Super Bowl halftime show is a highly anticipated performance each year, and this time was no exception. When the news broke that Rihanna would be the performer for the big game, people were thrilled.
However, the excitement intensified when Rihanna performed her songs in a tight red outfit with a matching custom coat while visibly pregnant – again!
Read on to learn more about Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance and how her pregnancy added to the excitement.
The Super Bowl Halftime Show
As one of the most iconic performers in the world, alongside stars like Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Adele and more, Rihanna performing at the Super Bowl halftime show was already a huge deal.
The Super Bowl is a highly-viewed event, with over 100 million people tuning in each year as a way to destress during time off from work and school. Singers and performers chosen to perform get tremendous exposure, and this year was no different. People were even more excited to see Riri onstage during her performance.
The history of the halftime show at the Super Bowl is long and has evolved over the years. As entertainment at football games has become more prominent, the halftime show has become a significant part of the event. It is now one of the world’s most significant televised music events, with performers like Rihanna using it as a platform to showcase their music and talent.
From marching bands to pop stars and everything in between, the Super Bowl halftime show has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Michael Jackson, Prince, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, and more. They all worked to engage with the audience to create a special moment that will be remembered for years.
Rihanna’s Career
Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in Barbados, has had an incredibly successful career. She’s released eight studio albums, with her singles dominating the charts since her debut single, “Pon de Replay,” in 2005.
Her most recent album, Anti (2016), reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. She’s also been nominated for many awards, including nine Grammy Awards and twelve Billboard Music Awards.
Her career has spanned multiple genres, and her discography is vast. With hits songs like “Umbrella,” “Rude Boy,” and “Work,” many of her fans have grown up with her. She has also become an icon for many female fans, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and be strong.
Although she has not been putting out music for the last few years, her fans still stood by her and were excited to see her perform. Her success with Fenty Beauty and the lingerie line Savage X Fenty further solidified her status as an icon.
Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance
Rihanna’s performance at the Super Bowl LVII halftime show last February 12, 2023, was met with great anticipation. Football fans and music lovers alike were treated to the sight of dancers in white coats and sunnies and a stage of 7 floating LED platforms suspended from the field.
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Rihanna appeared while wearing a covered yet tight-fitting monochromatic red ensemble, one of the modern design trends of the moment. She then sang while standing on a platform in mid-air.
But most of all, her baby bump was the most surprising part of her performance. Many fans had already been speculating that she was pregnant with her second child, and her performance at the Super Bowl confirmed their suspicions.
Rihanna sounded so good that some ppl think she lip synched.
That’s a real VOCALIST here. pic.twitter.com/rgixVmqian— 🦂 (@kadiXrou) February 16, 2023
The fact that she was singing and dancing while pregnant with such professionalism made the entire performance even more special. She performed a medley of 12 of her most famous songs, including “Where Have You Been,” “We Found Love,” “Rude Boy,” “Pour It Up,” “Umbrella,” and ending with “Diamonds.”
Rihanna’s performance was a less glitzy affair than some of the more extravagant halftime shows in previous years.
Enjoying watching the woman doing the sign language for Rihanna at the #SuperBowl half time show having the time of her life. Her name is Justina Miles 🙌🏻pic.twitter.com/pO32nMECFv
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) February 13, 2023
Although the dance performance was excellent, there were no special guests, striking displays, or crowded parades like in the past due partly to Rihanna taking care not to overwork herself while pregnant.
But despite the lack of extravagance, her performance still captivated the audience and provided a unique moment for everyone watching.
Controversies Surrounding Super Bowl Performances
Rihanna’s performance at the Super Bowl was also met with some controversy. For one, a dancer almost fell while dancing on top of one of the floating platforms.
Although the dancer managed to catch themselves, people were still concerned about their safety and wondered if the platforms could have been better designed.
But issues were also common in past halftime performances. For one, when Janet Jackson performed in 2004, her performance was highly controversial due to the unexpected wardrobe malfunction during her dance with Justin Timberlake. That incident caused a huge uproar and caused the NFL to change its policies drastically.
And the NFL itself is not without controversy. In the past, there have been issues with racism and sexism in sports, and this has affected some of the halftime performances.
Some artists have even opted out of performing at the Super Bowl in protest. As a result, the NFL has tried to be more conscious of the acts they choose.
Rihanna’s performance at the Super Bowl was a huge success. Her pregnancy made the performance even more unique and was met with great enthusiasm from fans and critics alike. It once again highlighted her immense talent and ability to captivate an audience.
It was also a significant moment for female performers, as she proved that performing while pregnant is possible and that there is no limit to what someone can achieve. As more performers take the stage, Rihanna’s performance at the Super Bowl will be remembered as a landmark moment in music history.
