Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII announcement in September 2022 broke the internet when she confirmed she’d headline the halftime show—her first major performance in 5+ years. The February 2023 show would reveal a second pregnancy surprise, but the September 2022 announcement alone was momentous.

The Announcement

On September 25, 2022, Rihanna posted an image holding an NFL football, confirming she’d headline Super Bowl LVII (February 12, 2023) in Glendale, Arizona.

Twitter and Instagram exploded. The NFL, Roc Nation (Jay-Z’s company, which produces the halftime show), and Apple Music (new sponsor) all confirmed.

Why It Was Huge

Rihanna hadn’t performed publicly since the 2018 Grammys (4.5 years). She’d:

• Focused on Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty
• Become a billionaire businesswoman
• Had her first child (May 2022)
• Repeatedly turned down previous Super Bowl offers

Her acceptance signaled a potential music return fans had begged for since Anti (2016).

The Colin Kaepernick Context

Rihanna had previously declined Super Bowl offers in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, who was effectively blackballed by the NFL after kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice.

Her 2022 acceptance sparked debate:

• Critics: Seen as betraying Kaepernick’s cause
• Defenders: Jay-Z/Roc Nation’s involvement meant change from within
• Nuanced take: Personal decision, circumstances evolved

Music Return Hopes

Fans hoped the Super Bowl meant:

• New album imminent (none materialized by late 2022)
• Tour announcement
• Return to music as primary focus
• End of 6+ year album drought since Anti

”Lift Me Up”

In October 2022, Rihanna released “Lift Me Up,” her first new music in 6 years—a ballad for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, honoring Chadwick Boseman. The song:

• Peaked at #2 on Billboard Hot 100
• Received Oscar nomination (2023)
• Proved her voice remained impeccable
• Built Super Bowl anticipation

Fenty Empire

By 2022, Rihanna had built:

• Fenty Beauty (launched 2017): Revolutionary inclusive shade ranges, $2.8B value
• Savage X Fenty (launched 2018): Inclusive lingerie brand
• Fenty Skin (2020)
• Billionaire status (estimated $1.4B net worth)

The Super Bowl represented a performer at the peak of business success returning to her roots.

The Pregnancy (First Child)

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s first child was born May 2022. Her fashion-forward pregnancy style:

• Belly-baring outfits redefining maternity fashion
• Designer looks at Fashion Week
• Unapologetic celebration of pregnant body
• Vogue cover (May 2022)

Super Bowl History

Rihanna joined legendary halftime performers:

• Michael Jackson (1993)
• Prince (2007)
• Beyoncé (2013, 2016)
• Bruno Mars (2014)
• The Weeknd (2021)

She’d be the first since The Weeknd to perform solo.

September 2022 Buzz

Post-announcement dominated pop culture:

• Speculation about setlist
• Will she perform new music?
• How will she top previous shows?
• What will she wear?
• Special guests predictions?

Apple Music Partnership

2022 marked Apple Music’s first year sponsoring the halftime show (replacing Pepsi). This meant:

• More creative control for artists
• Less commercial interruption
• Integration with streaming platform

Cultural Moment

Rihanna’s confirmation represented:

• Pop music’s biggest star returning
• Businesswoman still commanding music world
• Evolution of halftime show importance
• Social media’s role in building anticipation

The September 2022 announcement set up what would become Super Bowl LVII’s most-watched halftime show (121 million viewers), where she’d reveal a second pregnancy mid-performance—but in September, the world simply celebrated the Navy’s (her fans) Christmas gift: Rihanna was coming back.

Sources:

• Rihanna’s social media announcements
• NFL and Roc Nation press releases
• Billboard chart data
• Forbes billionaire reporting
• Entertainment media coverage