Rihanna is working her ass off at her halftime show at the Super Bowl, she is so focused that she almost forgets her birthday and Valentine’s Day.
The singer promised that it will be a show full of music and other elements.
“The set list was the biggest challenge. That was the hardest. The hardest part, deciding how to maximize 13 minutes, but also celebrating, that’s what this show is going to be about, it will be a celebration of my catalog in the best possible way.”Rihanna stated.
In a media preview Thursday ahead of Sunday’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, the pop superstar and new mom said her appearance, her first live event in seven years, feels “as if it could only have been now.”
“When you become a mother there is something that happens so you feel that you can take over the world, that you can do anything. The Super Bowl is one of the biggest stages in the world,” Rihanna said. “There’s something exciting about the challenge that comes with it all.”
Awarded nine Grammys, Rihanna has placed 14 songs at the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, including “We Found Love”, “Work”, “Umbrella” y “Disturbia”. She and rapper A$AP Rocky recently had their first child.
“At the end of the day, whether it fails or succeeds, my name will be on it. So I really get involved in every aspect of everything I do.” express
The halftime show’s new sponsor, Apple Music, held a moderated event on Thursday where journalist Nadeska Alexis was the only one allowed to ask Rihanna questions.
Rihanna joins a list of celebrated artists who have performed at the Super Bowl halftime show including Beyoncé, Madonna, Coldplay, Katy Perry, U2, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira y The Weeknd. Last year hip hop was celebrated with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige y Kendrick Lamar introducing themselves together.
Rihanna had refused to appear at halftime in 2019 out of solidarity with Colin Kaepernick. But she has said that the timing and circumstances were right for her this time around.
Country star Chris Stapleton will perform the national anthem, while R&B legend Babyface will sing “America the Beautiful.” Actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph will also perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” When asked which team she was going to for Sunday, Ralph said she supported the Eagles while Stapleton and Babyface said they supported Rihanna.
Oscar-winning deaf actor Troy Kotsur will perform the national anthem using American Sign Language. Colin Denny will perform “America the Beautiful” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will be performed by Justina Miles.
Apple Music replaced Pepsi this year after a decade as a halftime sponsor. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but according to analysts, the league is expected to rake in at least $50 million a year for the rights.
