Rihanna To Headline 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show
OK, this is good. For the first time since Madonna in 2012, we have someone I actually love who I know will do a great job performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. It’s going to be Rihanna, the NFL announced today:
Today Apple Music, the NFL and Roc Nation announce international icon, entrepreneur and philanthropist Rihanna will take center stage at State Farm Stadium for the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show at Super Bowl LVII, on Sunday, February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona.
The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show telecast will be produced by DPS with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers, and Hamish Hamilton serving as director. Roc Nation is also serving as the strategic entertainment advisors of the live performance.
“Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn. A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment,” said Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rihanna to the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show stage,” said Seth Dudowsky, NFL Head of Music. “Rihanna is a once in a generation artist who has been a cultural force throughout her career. We look forward to collaborating with Rihanna, Roc Nation and Apple Music to bring fans another historic Halftime Show performance.”
“Rihanna is an incredible recording artist who is a favorite for many millions of Apple Music customers around the world,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats. “We’re excited to partner with Rihanna, Roc Nation and the NFL to bring music and sports fans a momentous show — what an incredible artist for the inaugural Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.”
Now, if she could just release a new album (it’s been over six years), that would be even better.
Artists perform their biggest hits during a Halftime Show, so we’re definitely going to hear Rihanna singing “We Found Love” (she’ll either open or close with this), “Umbrella,” and “Only Girl In The World.” “Don’t Stop The Music,” “Diamonds” and “Work” could be in the mix, too, and an appearance by Drake wouldn’t be a surprise. There’s usually one slow song, so expect to hear “Take A Bow,” her biggest hit ballad. The gays would truly be sent into mental breakdown territory if she did “S&M” and was joined by Britney Spears, although it’s not known if Britney can still perform live (presumably, she could lip sync and it would be fine).
I really hope there aren’t too many duets, cameos, and other people joining her on stage. Just keep the focus on Rihanna and let her do her hits. She certainly has enough of them. With 31 top 10 singles, she’s second only to Madonna, who has 38, among female artists. If she has the right production and set list, Rihanna could rival Madonna with the best Halftime Show in Super Bowl history. (The only flaw to Madonna’s show was the inclusion of the dreadful “Give Me All Your Luvin.”)
