Rihanna Headlines Super Bowl 2023

Rihanna headlines the next Superbowl.

Image: Natasha Kendall from Pexel

It has been six long years without a musical note from singer-songwriter Rihanna, but the hiatus is finally over.

The international icon will be Super Bowl LVII’s Halftime performer at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Feb. 12. It is one of the biggest nights of sports and music. But, while the multi-talented artist is planning to set the stage, her guest singer remains a secret. TMZ reports a list of 50 names that could make an appearance. 

“Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn. One of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment,” said Jay-Z, founder of Roc Nation. Rihanna commented to TMZ that she is nervous but ultimately excited to hit the stage. 

Rihanna was offered to perform at Super Bowl LIII in 2019 but denied in solidarity with NFL quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. In an interview with Vogue, she explained how performing at the halftime performance would not give her anything. “I just couldn’t be a sellout. I couldn’t be an enabler. There’s things within that organization that I do not agree with at all, and I was not about to go and be of service to them in any way.” The league continues to have its challenges, yet Rihanna has not mentioned why she decided to accept the offer this time around. 

Her last album “Anti” was released in 2016 with hits such as “Love on the Brain” and “Needed Me.” Since then, she has placed her primary focus on Savage and Fenty Beauty, her lingerie and cosmetic brands. And in May this year, the artist gave birth to a baby boy. With the delivery of her first child, people were skeptical about her music career. But now, fans are questioning if Rihanna is dropping a new album in preparation for the performance. 

The Super Bowl Halftime performance brings in over 95 million views. With Rihanna headlining the first Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show directed by Hamish Hamilton and produced by DPS with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins will this number increase? Follow @AppleMusic on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for details and sneak peeks.