Rihanna's Anticipated Return

PHOTO BRIAN SNYDER, REUTERS

Wearing a red jumpsuit and a matching jacket, Rihanna moved among hundreds of dancers, all dressed in all-white jumpsuits, some on raised platforms, others in the square itself.

For sports fans, it was Patrick Mahomes' night, maybe Jalen Hurt's night. For pop music lovers. it was "Riri Day", Rihanna's day. More than just a Super Bowl halftime show, the song marked the long-awaited reunion between the singer and her audience on Sunday night.

Worth the wait

In the last few years, we haven't seen Rihanna perform on stage as much as we would like. For her return, she didn't skimp on the splendor of that stage, offering no less a halftime performance of the Super Bowl. Although his performance was very successful, it was rather static and minimalistic. We're used to a lot of movement during these Super Bowl halftime numbers, to a rolling fire that won't let us rest for a moment. Rihanna has chosen an interesting sobriety instead. This is of course one of the most watched musical moments of the year, we couldn't avoid eye-catching scenography. And surprisingly, without making too much of it, the artist showed off a big belly that was accentuated by her jacket (her second pregnancy was later confirmed by one of her reps). Dressed entirely in red, on a platform suspended very high in the air, she announced her colors from the first seconds. His attitude worked, his penetrating gaze and his provocative smile grabbed us instantly. The choice of songs was also successful. Through a few dance steps, a beautiful vocal performance and a rendition of her greatest hits, Rihanna made a fantastic comeback.

Face a challenge

A little context now: In 2019, Rihanna turned down an invitation to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show to protest the NFL's handling of racial issues. Four years later, the artist turned around. This decision is not due to his career flourishing, but almost seven years after the release of his last album in 2016. For many music lovers, the calm of this Super Bowl LVII, also known as "Rihanna's return", is without doubt. far more important than the hour of play that led to the Kansas City Chiefs' victory. Good news: the press was on, but Soss' interpreter nailed it and never gave the impression that it had been so many years since his last big appearance. Less good news: Rihanna may disappear again. She gave no indication that this "comeback" will be one that will last longer than the one offered on Sunday. Hopefully, this song marks the beginning of a new musical era for the singer. But if not, at least she gave us a good reason to wait until Sunday.

The celebration of a huge repertoire

Rihanna, whose career began 17 years ago, had a long list of titles to choose from. We have enjoyed some of his successes, quickly chained but each time with a nostalgic return to the past. Majestic on stage, the 34-year-old artist began Bitch better have my money, while dancers on the floor, all dressed in white, joined her. She then went on to Where Have You Been, Then Only Girl in the World), We Found Love, Rough Boy and Work. The performance unfolded in a kind of crescendo, the moment becoming more and more intense. The interaction between Rihanna and her dancers made a lot of sense in the otherwise very simple production. In the end, this choice worked well for her: we mainly focused on her voice and attitude, which will always remain in our minds. It all happened very quickly: Wild Thoughts started, then Rihanna sat down and performed Pour It On before the trumpets of All the Lights bled and more dancers took to the lawn. For Governing This City, a group of musicians awaited him on the central platform. And in no time we were in the finale, starting with Umbrella, as the singer flew again on her floating platform and Diamonds gave a strong finish, especially vocally. Beaming, visibly proud and barely out of breath, Rihanna smiled.

National Anthem by Chris Stapleton

He gave an amazing performance at the Grammy Awards night the week before. This time, he brought the Chiefs and Eagles players to tears during his rendition of the national anthem minutes before the game started. A special mention goes to country singer Chris Stapleton, who had the important job of kicking off the night with the star-studded banner. These few solemn minutes are often a very good musical moment. Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Cher, Mariah Carey and (most importantly) Whitney Houston have all offered their gorgeous versions at Super Bowls. Chris Stapleton did not fail in the mammoth task on Sunday night. Fender electric guitar in hand, sunglasses in front of his eyes, the eight-time Grammy winner was also impeccable with a sophisticated interpretation of the American national anthem. Her soulful tenor voice, powerful and moving, was breathtaking. Camera close-ups of some players, moved to tears by the musician's interpretation (and likely by the fact that he was at the Super Bowl) made it possible to see the immense talent of Chris Stapleton.