Rihanna performed in the Super Bowl Halftime Show last weekend, and we can all agree on one thing: she absolutely slayed. Here are our thoughts:
I hope most people enjoyed Rihanna’s Halftime Show as much as I did! I thought the dancers were incredible, her vocals were outstanding, and it was the most entertaining show we’ve had since 2020. Although I missed a couple songs that weren’t in the set, the combination of her top hits was perfect for everyone wanting to sing along, and the grand finale of “Diamonds” will go down as one of the most memorable Super Bowl performances of all time. And like everyone who watched, I also spent the entire time watching while doing calculations in my head about when Rihanna had her first baby, and if there was a chance she was introducing her second to the public. Knowing she is pregnant, Rihanna’s show is even more impressive—what other artist who hasn’t been performing can return for the Super Bowl Halftime Show, perfectly promote their beauty business, balance high above a packed football stadium, and bust out some dance moves? Finally, the fact that Rihanna did this show solo while other performances have brought out guests truly shows that she really is one of the best artists and performers today.
- Maria Sell ‘23
As someone who is not too keen on watching football, my excitement around the Super Bowl is for the halftime performance. I was especially excited to watch the show this year, as I am a huge Rihanna fan, and she hasn’t come out with music recently! While watching, I was very impressed with the contrast between her outfit and the dancer’s outfits. I also thought her voice sounded great and clear despite dancing and walking around. My friends and I guessed which song she would open with, and I was correct with “B**** Better Have My Money,” so this victory, of course, made the rest of the performance even more enjoyable to watch.
- Katie Madow ‘25
Overlooking how embarrassed I was after insisting for days that Rihanna would open her set with “Disturbia,” only for her to not even allude to the song during the performance, I thought the Super Bowl Halftime show was pretty incredible. I was in absolute awe of Rihanna’s vocals, the floating platforms, how different songs were interwoven together, and the marshmallow-like dancers. I also cannot stop doing the already iconic “Rude Boy” choreography.
- Lara Beckius ‘24