Rihanna Makes History as First Pregnant Woman to Perform at Super Bowl
After months spent in anticipation of Rihanna’s first show in seven years, the international superstar shocked Super Bowl Halftime viewers with a very special guest—baby No. 2.
The Umbrella singer descended into State Farm stadium aboard a floating platform Sunday, dressed in a head-to-toe bright red jumpsuit layered over a close-fitting bodysuit and sculpted bandeau. As she effortlessly executed fan-favorite tracks from Where Have You Been to We Found Love, Rihanna played up her big reveal, rubbing her stomach and leaving the zipper of her outfit down to reveal her belly.
Within minutes of her entrance, the Fenty Beauty founder set the internet on fire as viewers leaned close to their screens, speculating if the queen of pop and R&B was indeed sporting a baby bump. Viewers didn’t have to wait long, though. Shortly after the show, a representative for Rihanna confirmed the happy news with the Hollywood Reporter.
Rihanna’s performance represents the first time a pregnant woman has starred in the Super Bowl halftime show. The expectant mom didn’t just sing through each set but flawlessly executed snappy choreography and, at one point, belted out the lyrics of Diamonds on top of a platform suspended hundreds of feet in the air.
The Grammy winner gave birth to her first child, whose name she hasn’t disclosed, on May 13 in Los Angeles. Just five months later, she appeared on the red carpet alongside her partner A$AP Rocky and was revealed as the headliner for the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime show.
Shortly after the announcement, Rihanna revealed that being a mom is what pushed her to get back on stage. “I feel like it was now or never, really,” the new mom told Extra. “There’s this weird sh*t that happens when you become a mom, that you just unleash or unlock other parts of your superpower, you feel like you can take on the world, you could do anything.” “I wanted to take on the challenge, and I wanted to do something that would force me to get back onstage. Because when you are a mom, it’s not important, really; everything else is at the bottom of the priority list, but I’m a performer, and I love it!”
Outside of motherhood giving her that extra oomph of confidence, Rihanna admitted that she’s learned some other things about herself since welcoming her baby boy. “I’m patient now… I thought I was getting better at patience, but this will sit you down. You are forced to be patient as a mom, as a parent, just in general.” She stressed, “Your tolerance level goes down, but your patience goes up, if that makes any sense.”
Our congratulations to Rihanna on a fantastic show and exciting reveal. We can’t wait to see more of baby No. 2 in the coming months!
