Why Did Rihanna Say Yes to the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
The stage is set for Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and all eyes will be on the big game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. However, even more attention will be focused on the highly anticipated halftime performance by Rihanna.
Five years have passed since Rihanna’s last public live performance at the 2018 Grammys with DJ Khaled, and fans are eager to see the pop star return to the stage. But why did Rihanna choose the Super Bowl to make her comeback, especially since she once said that she would never perform at the NFL championship game due to her own personal politics?
Rihanna’s Stance on the Super Bowl
In a 2019 interview with Vogue, Rihanna stated that she would never perform at the Super Bowl because it went against her personal beliefs and that she couldn’t be a sellout. But fast forward to today, and the singer has changed her tune. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Rihanna said that the Super Bowl halftime show is an entertainer’s dream and a nerve-wracking opportunity to get it right.
Why Did Rihanna Change Her Mind?
So what changed Rihanna’s mind? Here are three possible reasons:
A Celebration of Her Impressive and Extensive Catalog
During an interview with Nadeska Alexis for Apple Music’s pre-Super Bowl show, Rihanna explained that curating the setlist for the halftime show has been the most difficult aspect. She said that the performance will be a celebration of her 17-year-long career and that it’s been challenging to fit all of her songs into a 13-minute time frame.
Her Connection With Roc Nation
Rihanna is a Roc Nation artist in partnership with Universal Music Group, and Jay-Z’s recent partnership with the NFL could have influenced her decision to perform at the Super Bowl. The deal between Roc Nation and the NFL outlines that the label will help select artists for major NFL performances, including the Super Bowl halftime show.
Preparation for a Rumored World Tour
There have been rumors that Rihanna may be preparing to go on a world tour soon, and the Super Bowl halftime show could be the perfect warm-up stage. Historically, artists who perform at the Super Bowl halftime show have seen a significant boost in streams due to the exposure from the game. During her Apple Music interview, Rihanna stated that she just wants to have fun with her new music, and fans are hoping that a world tour will come with it.
Using the Super Bowl to Celebrate Her Roots
Rihanna also touched on how she plans to use the halftime show to uplift and shine a light on her Caribbean roots. She said that it’s important to represent immigrants, her country of Barbados, and Black women everywhere and that Caribbean culture is a big part of why this performance is significant to her.
In conclusion, while it’s unclear exactly why Rihanna changed her stance on the Super Bowl, one thing is for sure: fans are eager to see her take the stage for what promises to be a celebration of her impressive and extensive career.
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