There is the Superbowl, and then there is the Super Bowl halftime show.
One of the most highly anticipated 15-minute timeslots on the entertainment calendar, the baton was this year handed to nine-time grammy winner Rihanna – and she did not disappoint.
Singing hit after hit, the 34-year-old was sensational during her first live performance since 2016. No controversy, no technical issues, and no drama – just a perfectly executed show.
With Rihanna being the only publicised name on the half-time ticket, fans we eager to see who the surprise guests would be joining her on stage. But the pop star did not have nor needed anyone other big-name performers to get her through the set.
Appearing in front of the sold-out stadium, Rihanna wore an all-red jumpsuit with an oversized jacket, and what seemed to be a pregnant belly. The artist gave birth to a son nine months ago, and now looks set to become a mother of two.
The artist began the halftime show elevated high in the air on a platform – without a harness – with a flurry of backup dancers. The short-priced $1.50 first song favourite ‘B**ch Better Have My Money‘ was of course the opening number.
The hits kept coming with Where Have You Been, Only Girl in the World, We Found Love, Rude Boy, Work, Wild Thoughts, Pour It Up, All of the Lights, and Run This Town.
She ended the set with her hits ‘Umbrella‘ followed by ‘Diamonds’.
She also didn’t miss the opportunity to help promote her make-up brand Fenty.
Fans and celebrities to were quick to tweet their praise for the performance.
Every year all eyes are on the highly anticipated, no expense spared production, with many spectators admitting to only tuning into the world’s biggest sporting spectacle just for the half-time performance. The second quarter felt like forever for those just waiting for their Superbowl to begin.
Despite the praise, you know you haven’t truly succeeded until there is a meme about you. Rihanna wins!
Andrew01
Roar Rookie
I felt for Rhianna. Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction all those years ago lasted a mere second or two, poor Rhianna's wadrobe malfunction was there for all to see for 30 minutes.
Pete McAloney
Roar Pro
I feel that J Lo and Shakira set the bar too high a few years ago! Their show was truly spectacular whereas Rhianna was “only” really good.