The 57th annual Super Bowl Halftime Show was headlined this year by none other than Rihanna. The Barbadian singer performed on Feb. 12 in Arizona– for her first live performance since 2016.
Rihanna shocked viewers not only with her monochromatic red outfit, but also with the announcement of her pregnancy. She began her stellar performance with her hit song “Better Have My Money,” which was accompanied by dozens of backup dancers. The set list for this performance was impeccable. She followed the song with an array of her top hits, including “Rude Boy,” “Work,” “Umbrella” and “Diamonds.”
Rihanna’s performance was memorable, especially since it was her first performance in a while, but some factors did not make it all I had expected. Presumably ue to her pregnancy, there was minimal choreography. While still dynamic, performances like the Super Bowl usually warrant a little more razzle-dazzle. However, what was lacking in dance performances was supplemented by a majority of the performance being on suspended platforms with a complicated light show to match.
The combination of lights and an interesting set made for a performance that could send chills down the spine of any viewer at home. Rihanna shined brightly like a diamond as she took the stage and delivered when it came to vocals. She pushed through any physical fatigue as a pregnant woman and made any of her discomfort unapparent. The little choreography that she was part of shocked viewers as she moved with so much energy it made me wonder if her unborn child was dancing along with her.
Rihanna also made it a point to make a small nod toward her brand, Fenty Beauty, making a quick touch-up to her face in the middle of the performance. She later referred to this action as her “special guest.”
Rihanna’s performance was a great comeback after being away for so long. Her pregnancy announcement stole the show from the beginning and made her performance even more impressive.
4 out of 5 stars.
