Rihanna Explains Why She Decided to Headline the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show
Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
In a new British Vogue story, Rihanna detailed why she headlined the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show, also citing the 2022 performance.
Rihanna is unapologetic about her decision to headline the Super Bowl LVII halftime show. Three days following her Sunday night performance, British Vogue published a cover story featuring 34-year-old Rih, partner A$AP Rocky and their 9-month-old son.
Rih, who previously turned down being a Super Bowl headliner in support of former NFL player, Colin Kaepernick, explained her decision to accept the halftime show gig.
“There’s still a lot of mending to be done in my eyes, but it’s powerful to break those doors, and have representation at such a high, high level and a consistent level,” the Anti artist told British Vogue.
A new era begins – and for @Rihanna nothing will ever be the same. Fresh from the Super Bowl and that very special announcement, Rihanna is British Vogue’s phenomenal March 2023 cover star – but this is no ordinary cover. This is a family portrait: https://t.co/dYosr4a6Ah pic.twitter.com/xx4h7LisKU
— British Vogue (@BritishVogue) February 15, 2023
The 9-time Grammy-winner also cited the Super Bowl LVI performance – which included Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak – as reason to join the legacy of headliners.
“Two Super Bowls back-to-back, you know, representing the urban community, globally. It is powerful. It sends a really strong message.”
“There’s still a lot of mending to be done in my eyes,” @Rihanna says of the NFL. “But it’s powerful to break those doors, and have representation at such a high, high level and a consistent level.” https://t.co/Poa2A6uYms pic.twitter.com/pImbhiYH2n
— British Vogue (@BritishVogue) February 15, 2023
The Bajan singer and entrepreneur also referenced her son as another reason for performing her first show since 2018.
“Raising a young Black man is one of the scariest responsibilities in life,” she said. “You’re like, ‘What am I leaving my kids to? This is the planet they’re gonna be living on? All of those things really start to hit differently.”
Although Rih’s expecting her second child, she told British Vogue that she originally wanted to release an album this year.
“Like, honestly, it’d be ridiculous if it’s not this year. But I just want to have fun. I just want to make music and make videos.”
The artist last appeared on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack with the Academy Award-nominated song “Lift Me Up” and “Born Again.”
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