While there were some premature reports earlier in the week that Taylor Swift might headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show during Super Bowl LVII, it is now confirmed that Rihanna will be doing the honors instead.
As rumors swirled on Sunday, Rihanna put them to bed by tweeting out a photo of her outstretched hand holding an NFL football.
— Rihanna (@rihanna) September 25, 2022
And once that was out there, the NFL officially confirmed the news.
Let’s GO – @rihanna @rocnation #SBLVII @AppleMusic @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/xmIXK5jsRg
— NFL (@NFL) September 25, 2022
NFL announces Rihanna will perform halftime at SBLVII. pic.twitter.com/mzebV6fEB6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 25, 2022
TMZ was the first to report that the 9-time Grammy winner was being considered as the headliner.
“Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn. A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment,” Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation works with the NFL to choose the halftime performers, said in a statement.
This will be the first year that Apple Music is the sponsor of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, replacing Pepsi. It would appear that the sponsorship will pay off for them, especially given the initial reactions from Twitter regarding the news.
Oh Thank God. https://t.co/vCX07PHawz
— Andrew Hammond (@ahammFreePress) September 25, 2022
cannot and will not get over this. what a massive W. https://t.co/k6UB545yBR
— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) September 25, 2022
God yes https://t.co/Trqiy3zAGJ
— Ãdam Jacobi (@adam_jacobi) September 25, 2022
Not gonna lie, I just squealed at Rite Aid. #Rihanna #superbowl https://t.co/SponaSaLqT
— Carlos Mena aka Casamena (@casamena) September 25, 2022
oh….my….god. https://t.co/dKPO5q2T0x
— Connor Franta (@connorfranta) September 25, 2022
This is the best Super Bowl halftime performer announcement I’ve ever seen.
Simple and gorgeous. Iconic. https://t.co/MW2GYMx454
— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️⚧️🇺🇦 (@cmclymer) September 25, 2022
More details about the halftime performance, including guest appearances, will be released over the coming months via Apple Music’s social media accounts.
Super Bowl LVII is set for Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.