Rihanna Performs Career-Spanning Hits at Super Bowl LVII

Rihanna makes her long-awaited return to performing after a four-year hiatus at last Sunday's Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show. The singer took to the State Farm Stadium football field in Glendale, Arizona, to perform smash hits from her extensive catalog, including "Umbrella", "Diamonds", and "Bitch Better Have My Money". Fans speculated a second pregnancy announcement from Rihanna, which was later confirmed by the singer post-performance.

Clad in a mono-chrome cardinal red outfit and gloves, Super Bowl spectators saw Rihanna hover above the crowd on a glass platform, with a sea of faceless, white-jacketed dances backing her up. For those who now see Rihanna as a fashion entrepreneur rather than a musical hit-maker, this performance served as a reminder of just how many good songs she has. Despite her years-long break, Rihanna was vocally strong as ever, impressing onlookers with her unrelenting voice and stage-commanding power. 

Rihanna led the army of dancers with effortless ease, although some criticize, perhaps too much ease. The performance was notably more low-key than past half-time acts, moving from one song to the next with no pauses and no guest appearances. Some wished to see more energy from the Barbadian singer, who felt her nonchalant stage persona may translate as slightly dull amid a football stadium.

The main surprise of this performance was not a new single or guest collaborator, but a pregnancy reveal. Rumors ruminated after Rihanna hinted that she was expecting during her performance, which was later confirmed by a representative to The Hollywood Reporter. Rapper ASAP Rocky, the father to Rihanna's nine-month-old boy and her long-time partner, was proudly watching from the field side. 

The performance ended with fireworks soaring above the stadium. Welcome back, Rihanna; we're happy to see you again. 

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