Rihanna confirms she’s going to be the musical attraction for the 2023 Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime show hours after TMZ reported she was in talks” to headline the prestigious sporting event. The singer, who declined to perform in the 2019 Super Bowl halftime show out of solidarity with Colin Kaepernick took to her social feed on Sunday (September 25) to post a picture of her tattoed arm holding an NFL-branded football.
Roc Nation also officially confirmed her participation through a statement released on Sunday.
“Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn,” said Jay-Z in the official announcement. “A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment.”
The pending performance could signal an official return to music for the new mother who has not released an album since 2016. Her fans have been starved of new music for eternity and are equally excited about the news.
“NOBODY HAS BEEN STARVED LIKE THE RIHANNA NAVY. NOBODY HAS BEEN TROLLED BY THEIR OWN FAV. NOBODY HAS BEEN THROUGH 4 BUSINESS. NOBODY HAS EXPERIENCED WHAT WE HAVE ENDURED. WE ARE BACK,” wrote one Twitter user.
Another user celebrated her star power saying, “One thing I learned throughout Rihanna’s hiatus is that music needs her, she doesn’t need music. Hasn’t paid the industry any mind in nearly 7 years yet continues to stream higher than her peers. She’s actually gotten MORE popular. Her mark on music is made. Love that for her,”
Super Bowl LVII will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on February 12. This marks the first year of a partnership between Apple Music, the NFL and Roc Nation.
“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 – with an incredible artist for the inaugural Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.”
