While all eyes were on the record-breaking performances set by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce on their way to the Lombardi this season, Grammy-winner Rihanna and her historic accomplishments also warrant paramount attention. The pop sensation became the first pregnant Super Bowl Halftime performer. But at one point, ‘RiRi’ wasn’t so sure about the entire thing.

When the NFL initially reached out to ‘The Barbados Babe’, she was definitely feeling the nerves, considering she was pregnant with her second child with rapper A$AP Rocky, just nine months after giving birth to their first child. Nonetheless, Rihanna had a special force guiding her through the uphill challenge in front of her.

RiRi’s initial reaction to the Halftime Show invitation

Ever since she got to know about the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show in Phoenix, Rihanna’s sole focus became February 12 and the State Farm Arena. She even forgot about her own birthday and Valentine’s Day. However, it wasn’t the same when she got the call.

Prior to Super Bowl Sunday, Rihanna made an appearance at the NFL Media and Apple Music Halftime Show press conference. The critically acclaimed musician expressed astonishment at being considered for such an enormous stage, especially given her condition. However, she also recognized that this was the perfect opportunity to grace the biggest stage in sports entertainment.

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“It feels like it could have only been now. I mean, when I first got the call to do it again this year, I was like ‘You sure? Like, I’m three months postpartum. Should I be making major decisions like this right now? Like, I might regret this,” Rihanna said in the press event.

What motivated Rihanna to ultimately ace the show?

Performing at the Super Bowl isn’t an easy task, even for the best. And Rihanna was returning to live entertainment after a long hiatus, not having toured since 2016 and her last live performance coming way back at the Grammy Awards in 2018. However, the ‘Caribbean Queen’s’ business ventures, Fenty Beauty Cosmetics, and Savage X Fenty Lingerie have been doing quite well. And the Super Bowl was the perfect way to stage the return to show business.

Putting aside any worries about postpartum recovery or her current pregnancy, ‘RiRi’ jumped head-first into the opportunity. The mother in her didn’t flinch.

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“When you become a mom, there’s something that just happens where you feel like you can take on the world. You can do anything.”       “It’s important for me to do it this year. Important for representation. It’s important for my son to see that,” she said. And with A$AP Rocky also in the stands to witness the performance, it wasn’t just Rihanna’s son who was impressed at the end of the day. Even 80-year-olds are replicating her iconic performance. Safe to say, ‘Balgalriri’ is back!

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