Rihanna gave an amazing and hit-heavy half-time performance at the Super Bowl on Sunday, but social media exploded when the singer revealed an unexpected special guest. The Bajan singer was asked if there will be any surprises during her performance at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium last week in an interview. “I’m thinking about bringing someone,” she replied. “I’m not sure, we’ll see.”
Naturally, many believed she was referring to one of the many musicians with whom she has collaborated over her successful career. A cameo by Jay-Z, Drake, or Eminem seemed possible, and it would be in line with the half-time show history of surprise duets.
Rihanna, however, was not referring to any of them. Although no one realized it at the time, she was implying that she was expecting her second child. The singer did not play any new songs during her Super Bowl performance on Sunday, but the baby bump she did show off nearly shattered the internet.
The audience roared as the singer started into Better Have My Money, a somewhat ironic beginning given that she is not being paid for her Super Bowl performance. As the 34-year-old charmed the audience from above, her dancers danced underneath her at breakneck speed, showcasing razor-sharp choreography that’d last the whole show. The singer ripped through numerous hits, opening her concert with some of her most danceable and up-tempo songs, including Only Girl (In the World) and the excellent Where Have You Been.
Rhianna’s halftime performance stage: pic.twitter.com/ZUUwqaEaaI
— The GRiZ Father (@MikeBrolumbus13) February 13, 2023
Confusion permeated social media at first, as fans rushed to express their guess on Rihanna’s apparent pregnancy. Many others pointed out that the singer is known for her body acceptance and may have just been showing off her curvier shape after her last pregnancy.
Within an hour of Rihanna’s concert ending and fans debating which trimester she was in, her representatives officially verified the singer’s wonderful news.
While some fans expressed disappointment that Rihanna’s much-anticipated ninth studio album will likely be delayed yet again, the reaction on social media was overwhelmingly positive. It may not have made headlines for the reasons fans expected, but Rihanna gave a half-time performance they will never forget.
