Nine-time Grammy Award winner Rihanna nearly broke the internet yesterday when she announced on Twitter she is scheduled to headline the Halftime Show during the Super Bowl LVII in Arizona next year.
The megastar mogul broke the news by tweeting a photo of her infamous tatted hand holding an NFL-branded football against a white background. The tweet only read the “.” punctuation mark. (We guess it’s her way of saying: “I’m headlining the 2023 Super Bowl. Period.)
The move is an about-face from her decision to not appear at the 2019 show in support of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The football star has not played in six years following his choice to kneel during the pre-game national anthem, which eventually sparked a worldwide movement against racism.
In a statement released to the press Sunday, JAY-Z applauded Rihanna for her due diligence in the entertainment industry. “Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn,” he said. “A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment.”
Dubbed the “Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show,” the event is in partnership with Apple Music and Roc Nation and will take place at the State Farm Stadium on February 12.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rihanna to the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show stage,” said Seth Dudowsky, NFL Head of Music in a statement. “Rihanna is a once-in-a-generation artist who has been a cultural force throughout her career. We look forward to collaborating with Rihanna, Roc Nation and Apple Music to bring fans another historic Halftime Show performance.”
Past Super Bowl Halftime Show performances have starred Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, The Weeknd, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Prince and Madonna.
For more information about Super Bowl LVII, visit here.
