"Rihanna's Comeback"

Sey
Feb 8, 2023
3 min read

This Sunday, we're in for a musical treat that many have been awaiting; Rihanna's return to the stage! If you want to discuss all the songs she's potentially going to perform and how the songstress' show will turn out this is #TheMove for you.

The Grammy award winner hasn't been seen performing since 2018,(Stern, "Everything Rihanna’s Done Since Her Last Public Performance: A Timeline!"). Needless to say, just seeing Rihanna belt out a few notes is going to have fans go CRAZY. Since her hiatus, Rihanna has gone on to launch her own makeup-Fenty Beauty-and lingerie line-Savage x Fenty. Both lines have had collections sell out multiple times. She also had a beautiful baby boy with rapper, ASAP Rocky. It's clear Rihanna's been busy during her time off. Will she be able to carry a performance this big as her return to the stage?

My answer is...it'll be tricky. Rihanna has plenty of platinum records like "Love on the brain", "Work", and "Kiss it better" that will surely bring the house downnn. Nonetheless, the Super Bowl Half-time show is not a small stage. In the last five years, the lowest amount of television viewers was slightly over 95 million and that's not including streams! It's easy to have jitters and be concerned about a performance. Throw in the fact that there was a big hiatus and a baby being born in the equation too! I'm pretty impressed Rihanna even said yes lol.

Despite my concerns, I personally think Rihanna puts on a good show, especially for special occasions or debuting a song. I remember one of her earlier performances of "B* better have my money" was pretty good to me. It had great energy, wow factor, and the stage set up fit the vibe. Relooking at this performance I can't help to point out the vocals. Which leads to the elephant in the room...

Another reason why I'm nervous for Rihanna to take on such a big stage after the changes she's experienced, is because sometimes she can be a little pitchy. NOW, before y'all get me, I am not saying homegirl can't sing. That would be a false statement. What I am saying, is occasionally Rihanna gets caught up in her music (whether it's emotionally or she's just turning up) and it comes out sounding a little off. To better illustrate take a look at some of Rihanna's best and worst performances (specifically 2:20 in the video).

What gives me faith is the amount of time she's had to prepare. Rihanna gives off a very hardworking personality from the outside looking in. Seeing her go hard in fashion, makeup, along with amazing music and visuals back in the day (hehe), one wouldn't expect her to be mediocre. I'm hoping she gives us 2016 VMA's energy. It was the year she won the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Music Award, and gave us top tier performances like this party vibe and this vocal showcase. I think it'll be a show and I can't wait to belt out her songs Sunday!

What are y'all looking forward to hearing the most? I know I personally have to hear some oldies like "Pon de replay", "Disturbia", and "Umbrella". For new songs, or "newer" music, I want to hear "B* better have my money", "Take care", "Where have you been", and "Man down". If you've never seen a Super Bowl Half Time show it's almost guaranteed the performer brings a guest too.

Who do y'all think Rihanna would bring? I honestly have no clue because I don't recall her having that many features in her own personal catalog. She more-so features on other people's stuff. I'd say ASAP Rocky, but that just feels too obvious. Then I thought about Jay Z, but there were some alleged rumors/here say about them having a fling back in the day, so that makes me second guess that choice as well. So yea besides T.I., Kanye or maybeeee (like a really big maybe) Drake I can't think of who else Rihanna would bring. Either way I'm excited to watch Rihanna look good on stage and sing a few of my faves!

Super Bowl LVII will premiere Sunday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. EST 3:30 p.m. PST. The halftime show is after the second quarter, but for those who aren't interested in sports it should start around 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST (Gil, "How to watch the Super Bowl halftime show 2023 in the U.S.").

Tune in again, for #TheMove you want to catch next!