NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 13: Rihanna is seen out and about in Manhattan on August 13, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images)
Could it be that the Rihanna music drought is over? Well, fans online hope so after Rihanna posted an NFL-branded photo on Sunday (September 25). The image shows the singer’s tattooed wrist holding a football against a white background. Her caption was just a period…because it’s Rih, so PERIOD!
Earlier in the day, reports began circling that RiRi was in talks to headline the Super Bowl LVII Halftime show.
By the end of the day, the NFL, Roc Nation, and Apple Music confirmed Rihanna’s return to the stage! Football season’s biggest game is scheduled for Glendale, Arizona, on February 12, per Variety. Keep scrolling to see what each had to say about Rihanna bringing her talents to the halftime show.
Falling in line with their headliner, the NFL changed their Instagram and Twitter bios to highlight Rihanna—her last name and beauty empire’s name.
The marketing team tapped in and switched out one of the words in its licensed acronym (NFL). And that’s how Football became Fenty. The NFL’s head of music, Seth Dudowsky, also shared the league’s excitement in a statement.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rihanna to the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show stage. Rihanna is a once-in-a-generation artist who has been a cultural force throughout her career,” Seth said. “We look forward to collaborating with Rihanna, Roc Nation, and Apple Music to bring fans another historic Halftime Show performance.”
Apple Music will be sponsoring the halftime show for the first time. Last week, the NFL announced that the music platform would take over longtime show partner Pepsi. Apple’s Vice president of Apple Music and Beats released a statement on Rihanna’s booking.
“Rihanna is an incredible recording artist who is a favorite for many millions of Apple Music customers around the world,” Oliver said. “We’re excited to partner with Rihanna, Roc Nation, and the NFL to bring music and sports fans a momentous show–what an incredible artist for the inaugural Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.”
Jay-Z took to Twitter with a message about the NFL and Apple Music bringing Rihanna to their stage.
“Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn, “Jay-Z wrote. “A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment.”
