Rihanna performed at Super Bowl LVII in 2023, marking her first and only Super Bowl halftime show to date. The show took place on February 12, 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, during the 2022 NFL season. Her setlist drew from her catalog, including hits like "Umbrella," "Stay," and "Lift Me Up," while her presence signaled a high-profile return to live performance after years of focusing on other ventures. The following sections detail the year, context, performance specifics, and broader impact of her Super Bowl appearance.
Year and Event Details
Rihanna appeared at Super Bowl LVII, which belongs to the 2022 calendar year but was played in early 2023. For clarity, the event is commonly referenced by the year of the game (2023) in which the halftime show occurred. Below are key event details for quick reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Halftime Show Performer | Rihanna | Official NFL/FOX announcement |
| Game Year (Halftime) | 2023 | Event date |
| Super Bowl Edition | LVII (57) | NFL Roman Numeral Designation |
| Game Date | February 12, 2023 | NFL Schedule |
| Venue | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona | Venue Records |
| Headliner Order | Final act (closing the show) | Broadcast production order |
Context Leading to 2023 Performance
Rihanna had been absent from live televised music events for several years, focusing on business ventures, fashion, and starting a family. Her performance at Super Bowl LVII was widely regarded as a comeback, generating significant media coverage and fan discussion. The selection of a global icon for the Super Bowl halftime show is typically tied to milestone seasons for the league, and 2023 provided a fitting stage for her return.
Setlist and Performance Highlights
Rihanna’s halftime show emphasized key tracks from her discography while incorporating visual spectacle. Notable songs included:
- “Pon de Replay”/“SOS” era hits
- “Stay” (with guest vocalist)
- “Lift Me Up” (from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)
- “Umbrella” (signature anthem)
The production featured elaborate staging, choreography, and a condensed set designed for broadcast efficiency, concluding with a tribute-like moment that underscored her influence on pop and R&B music.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Super Bowl LVII drew one of the largest audiences for a halftime show in recent years, with viewership numbers consistently in the tens of millions. Rihanna’s appearance reinforced her status as a global entertainer willing to make selective, high-impact live returns. The performance also had measurable effects on streaming and radio metrics for her catalog, demonstrating the enduring commercial power of the Super Bowl platform.
Legacy and Public Reception
Critical response to Rihanna’s Super Bowl show was largely positive, with praise for her vocal delivery, stage presence, and the boldness of returning on her own terms. Fans highlighted the emotional resonance of her performance, while analysts noted the strategic timing of her return. Her decision to limit Super Bowl appearances solidified the event as a landmark moment rather than a recurring spectacle.
Comparison With Other Halftime Appearances
While many artists have appeared multiple times on Super Bowl halftime, Rihanna’s LVII turn stands as a singular event in her career. Below is a brief comparative context:
| Artist | Appearances (as of 2023) | Notable Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Rihanna | 1 | 2023 |
| Katy Perry | 1 | 2015 |
| Bruno Mars | 1 | 2014 |
| Beyoncé | 1 | 2013 |
| The Weeknd | 1 | 2021 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Rihanna and the Super Bowl.
- Did Rihanna perform at any other Super Bowls? As of 2023, her performance at LVII is her only Super Bowl halftime appearance.
- Why was her performance highly anticipated? Her long hiatus from major live events and status as a global icon made her return newsworthy.
- How did the performance affect her music streams? The show led to measurable spikes in streaming and radio plays of her hits.
- Will she perform at future Super Bowls? She has not announced plans for additional appearances, keeping LVII a singular event.