The entire country will be watching as Usher Raymond, the Millennial R&B King and sometimes pop sensation, takes the stage for his performance at the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show!
The highly decorated artist is no stranger to being in the winners circle as his career began as a child who would rise to stardom winning multiple Kids Choice and Teen Choice Awards. Continuing onward throughout his career to winning multiple AMA Awards, ASCAP’s & BMI’s, BET Awards, BBMAs, Soul Train Awards, NAACP Image Awards, VMAs, and of course GRAMMYs! Brother even has an honorary doctorate degree from Berklee University! Usher is thee MAN!
Usher received the 2023 honorary doctorate degree from Berklee University
LET’S GET TO THIS LIST OF SPECIAL GUESTS WE NEED TO SEE:
Needless to say, “Lovers and Friends” is a tune that we all should be grooving to in two Sunday’s time as it’s also made famous by sharing the name with the title of Usher’s reoccurring tour. Now go tell your lovers and friends that Usher, John (Lil John) and Luda (Ludacris) need to do it again!
Not to mention other Lil John collaborative hits such as “Yeah”. Ummm… yeah. We’re going to have to request Usher reminds the world of that timeless musical era with the EastSide Boyz. While we are on the topic of Lil John tracks:
Then imagine if they went from that record to their dance break from Ushers 2004 tour when Beyonce popped out the floor and performed “Bad Girl” with full choreography. Oh, and “Naughty Girl” video when Usher made a choreography appearance. Hawt!!!
It would almost be blasphemy for super producer Jermaine Dupree and the SoSo Def family to not make an appearance at some point during the show. There’s way too many reasons but here’s a share of a few links leading you to the rabbit hole, but it’s totally up to you to go down.
OMG! When we said some times pop sensation we meant it! How could the world forget the WILL.I.AM record that had the entire globe going “Oh My God”. This would make the perfect close to a predictably memorable show on an extremely high note.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky celebrate Fenty Beauty & Fenty Skin on February 11, 2022. Image source: Rich Fury/Getty Images.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s son RZA Athelston Mayers celebrated his first birthday with his superstar parents recently. RZA turned one on May 13, 2023. His name was recently disclosed after The Daily Mail obtained his birth certificate, amid mass speculation from fans that their baby was named Noah.
However, the New York rapper officially confirmed his name with a carousel Instagram post. A$AP showed off his beautiful growing family with the caption, “WU TANG IZ 4 DA CHUREN’ HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO MY 1st BORN . RZA (Heart emoji).” He concluded the family photos with a video of the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard at the 1998 Grammy Awards. That year Wu Tang lost to Diddy for Rap Album of the Year and ODB explains in the clip Wu Tang is for the children. So it seems their beautiful first born is named after hip-hop royalty.
Rihanna Talks Enjoying Time With Her Baby RZA
Around the end of last year, Rihanna explained that her and the East Coast native was not keeping her first born’s name a secret as a strategy. But the pair just didn’t get around to it yet, they were just enjoying their time with him.
Rih And A$AP Expecting Baby Number 2
Rihanna performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. Image source: Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images.
This precious milestone celebrated by RZA’s parents amid his mommy expecting, making him a big brother soon. Rihanna‘s big reveal took place at the Super Bowl this year during her epic halftime show performance. Rihanna‘s fans, the Navy, thought she may have been pregnant based on her outfit and her subtle movements while performing. The Bajan singer even cradled her belly towards the end of the performance hinting at her “special guest.” Her halftime show was the most-watched ever at 121.017million views, knocking Katy Perry’s 2015 performance out the spot.
ASAP Rocky and Rihanna backstage at the 95th Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. Image source: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images.
Just when we thought we didn’t need any more tissue boxes for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Rihanna delivers an emotional Oscars performance.
The Barbados native performed the sequel’s anthem Oscar-nominated ‘Lift Me Up,’ co-written by herself, singer Tems, Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson and director Ryan Coogler.
The Performance That Stole Our Hearts Once Again
One of the stars of the film, Danai Gurira, introduced the pregnant business mogul before she took the stage.
Gurira notified the audience that this song was written in honor of the late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman.
Rihanna belted out the simply beautiful song with a full orchestra supporting her on stage.
The superstar was dressed in all black with a gorgeous bedazzled top.
Roar Of Applause From The Audience And A$AP Rocky… Of Course!
Robyn Fenty was surrounded by a loud applause at the end of her performance. Plus a warm appreciation from the love of her life and the father of her child as well as her new baby on the way, A$AP Rocky.
This was Rihanna‘s first Oscar nomination. She was nominated with Wakanda Forever for Best Original Song, but lost to “Naatu Naatu,” from the Indian film RRR.
Behind The Song ‘Lift Me Up’
Ryan Coogler actually wrote the chorus for the heavenly ballad. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the director disclosed the lyrics reflected the pain of losing Chadwick Boseman.
The song was also inspired by the responsibilities of being a parent. Angela Bassett’s character had to help her surviving child deal with the tragedy that occurred in both of their lives.
Rihanna’s Comeback Year
Rihanna is on a roll from her shocking Super Bowl performance, where she revealed her second pregnancy, to her stunning Oscars performance.
This all happening as there is talk about her and A$AP getting married soon as well as her album possibly coming this year.
We await to see what else Rihanna has up her sleeves.
Rihanna during her 2023 Super Bowl performance. Image source: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images.
At the Super Bowl, Rihanna made her first live appearance in five years while pregnant. It was a powerful statement of feminine strength and resilience, as she showed that women could be successful and excel even while carrying a child. During her setlist for the evening, she performed various songs spanning her two-decade career.
To establish how much popularity Rihanna’s music has regained over the past three days, Japanese casino comparison site Japan-101 tracked Spotify plays of each song performed during the Superbowl halftime show.
In the three days following the Superbowl halftime show, Rihanna earned the following number of plays and royalties:
1. “Umbrella” – 4.4 million plays earning $17,780.60
“Umbrella” was one of the most successful songs on Rihanna’s album Good Girl Gone Bad, which she released in 2007 at 19 years old. Despite being the oldest song on the list, this track has had the most outstanding revival in three days thanks to the Super Bowl show, earning Rihanna a healthy $17,780.60.
2. “We Found Love” – 3.8 million plays earning $15,227.01
In 2011, this “Talk that Talk” hit featuring Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris debuted at the London O2 and remained at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 for ten consecutive weeks. “We Found Love” became a worldwide success, topping the charts in 24 countries and reaching the top 10 in nine other countries.
Also, the song was critically acclaimed and won a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. The track’s accompanying music video was directed by Melina Matsoukas and has since become an iconic visual for the song. With 3.8 million listens in the last three days, the song is the second most popular on Rihanna’s Superbowl setlist.
3. “Diamonds” – 3.5 million plays earning $14,160.66
In 2012, Rihanna released this song as part of her Unapologetic album. The single “Diamonds” reached the top of the charts in over twenty countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified this track seven times platinum, while the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified it three times platinum. Additionally, the song has been played over 3.5 million times on Spotify in the last three days, generating Rihanna $14,160.66 in royalties.
4. “Only Girl (In the World)” – 2.9 million plays earning $11,800.12
This track made history as it is the first time an album’s lead single has made the top of the charts after its second single; in this case, “What’s My Name” has surpassed “Only Girl (In The World). Spotify royalties have reached $11,800.12 from the track’s 2.9 million plays over the last three days.
5. “Where Have You Been” – 2.3 million plays earning $9,302.04
Over 2.3 million people have listened to this techno house track since Rihanna performed it for the Super Bowl halftime show. In just three days, Rihanna earned $9,302.04 due to the song’s increased popularity.
6. “Work” – 2 million plays earning $8,203.48
After Rihanna’s performance of “Work” at the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, the song experienced a resurgence in popularity. It was streamed over 2 million times on Spotify in the following three days, earning Rihanna $8,203.48 in royalties.
7. “Rude Boy” – 1.8 million earning $7,523.72
After Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance, her song “Rude Boy” hit 1.8 million times, earning her $7,523.72 in royalties.
8. “B**ch Better Have My Money” – 1.6 million plays earning $6,753.48
During her Super Bowl halftime show performance, Rihanna sang her song “B**ch Better Have My Money” to the crowd’s delight. The track was streamed 1.6 million times in three days, generating $6,753.48 in royalties.
9. “Pour It Up” – 1.5 million plays earning $6,351.74
She also sang “Pour It Up” at the Super Bowl, which derived 1.5 million Spotify streams and $6,351.74 in royalties.
TOTAL ROYALTIES: $97,102.85
Commentary By Japan-101’s Spokesperson
Commenting on the findings, a representative from Japan-101 stated:
“It is truly wonderful to see Rihanna performing live again after a five-year break. The Superbowl halftime show was a great comeback opportunity for Rihanna; this is very much reflected in the increase in her music plays on Spotify. Having not been paid for her Superbowl performance, as is normal procedure, Rihanna will have gained great exposure, driving traffic for more listeners.”
What Is Japan-101?
Japanese game enthusiasts run Japan-101, a casino comparison website with detailed information about various casino sites and games. This website provides casino news and information, making it an excellent resource for anyone interested in this industry.
Pregnant Rihanna heading to dinner in Santa Monica. Image source: TPG, Backgrid.
PETA apparently felt extremely generous and wanted to gift Rihanna a faux fur coat. As many know, the fashionista is always on top of her fashion game, so it is a kind gesture for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to add to her wardrobe. But the reasons are obvious… PETA advocates for not wearing anything of real animals.
A Letter To Rihanna
PETA decided to gift Rihanna a faux fur coat after she appeared to wear real fur to dinner. The so-called animal rights organization wrote the pregnant singer pleading their case. They attempted to compare Rihanna’s motherly instinct to animals’ maternal instinct to protect their families.
“As a mother, you know what it’s like to feel protective and to want to make sure no harm comes to your family. Please understand that this desire — this instinct even — is shared by the minks, foxes, and rabbits who are torn away from their families and killed for their fur,” the letter from the animal organization said.
Rihanna gets a faux fur coat from PETA after appearing to wear real fur to dinner. https://t.co/7wpcrOkhnn
First Pregnancy Gave Unpredictable Maternity Looks From Rih
In her last pregnancy, Rihanna showed off with some unpredictable maternity looks.
However, she changed her look slightly during her second child‘s pregnancy. Ri Ri is now giving us more covered-up fashion while still remaining to strike us all with her beauty.
Second Pregnancy Givin Cozy Rih
This is one of the first looks we are catching from Robyn Fenty since her striking Super Bowl Halftime Show performance. People can’t seem to get enough of Rihanna, as PETA is not holding back in commentary on her real fur coat. Rihanna is a billionaire… not sure if we should expect anything less but her to be wearing a real fur coat, printed baggy jeans, and a sick graphic tee.
Rihanna is always pressing the envelope with her clothes and hairstyles. No one can place Rihanna in a box because she will find a way to break out of it. So good luck to PETA!
Fans are eagerly anticipating the 2023 Super Bowl later today. It is always a must-see event for avid football fans, thanks to the performances of renowned musicians. Bynew research, the following moments in Super Bowl history have attracted the most attention from fans.
Online casino JeffBet conducted a study to determine which moment in the Super Bowl has been viewed the most by fans by looking at the NFL’s official YouTube page. Check out the top 10 performances below.
1. Shakira & Jennifer Lopez
It was the last major NFL event before the state was placed under lockdown during the pandemic that Shakira and Jennifer Lopez performed at the 2020 Super Bowl LIV in Miami Gardens, Florida. This remarkable event showcased the fantastic performances of the two talented singers and served as a bittersweet goodbye to large-scale events before the pandemic engulfed the world.
The halftime show received over 260 million views. A combined 971 million views were recorded for the top 10 Super Bowl videos.
Shakira and Jennifer Lopez at the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show. Image source: Kevin Winter, Getty Images.
2. Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, & Kendrick Lamar
Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Bilge, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar were among the artists featured in the 2022 performance in Inglewood, California. Second on the list, this live performance has garnered over 154 million views since it was uploaded on Feb 14, 2022. It features a medley of rap classics, including the iconic “Lose Yourself” by Eminem.
Eminem, Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent during the 2022 Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show. Image source: Gregory Shamus, Getty Images.
3. Beyonce & Bruno Mars
Closely following in third and fourth place are both moments from the Super Bowl 50 halftime show. Two videos were produced during this halftime show. One shows the performance of Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, which has attracted the third highest number of views at 153 million.
Beyonce and Bruno Mars perform at the 2016 Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show. Image source: YouTube, NFL.
4. Coldplay
Another video shows Coldplay, which has attracted 113 million views. The performance featured “Uptown Funk” and “Formation,” with Beyoncé and Bruno Mars joining Chris Martin on stage. This is the only time in history that a single Super Bowl appears twice in the top 10.
Coldplay performing at the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show in 2016. Image source: YouTube.
5. Lady Gaga
Furthermore, the eclectic performance by Lady Gagaat the 2017 Super Bowl LI in Houston, Texas, ranks fifth, garnering almost 76 million. Lady Gaga’s performance was a medley of some of her most famous songs, including “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance.” She also paid tribute to David Bowie with a rendition of “Space Oddity” and a performance of “Telephone” with Beyoncé.
Lady Gaga performing at the 2017 Super Bowl Ll Halftime Show. Image source: YouTube.
6. Katy Perry
Next in line is Katy Perry, who hotly contested for the fifth-place spot. However, after her Super Bowl XLIX 2015 performance in Glendale, Arizona, with Missy Elliott and Lenny Kravitz on Sep 13, 2016, the performance of the Teenage Dream singer has received just over 75 million views, placing her in sixth position.
Katy at the Super Bowl XLIX 2015 performance in Glendale, Arizona. Image source: YouTube.
7. The Weeknd
On the remaining top 10 list, The Weeknd’s halftime show at the 2021 Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay, Florida, ranks seventh with 54 million views. During his halftime show, his promotional materials depicted a lavish affair, complete with shrimp cocktail, cigars, leather driving gloves, and iced Champagne.
The Weeknd performing during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl LV. Image source: Ashley Landis, AP, Shutterstock.
8. Prince
Taking the eighth spot on the list and garnering 49 million views is Prince’s performance of Purple Rain at the 2007 Super Bowl XLI in Miami Gardens, Florida. His performance featured a medley of his hits, including “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Baby I’m a Star,” and “Purple Rain.” In addition, it featured a collaborative guitar solo with Prince and the Foo Fighters’ guitarist, Dave Grohl. This is the only performance or video related to the Super Bowl before 2010.
Prince’s performing Purple Rain at the 2007 Super Bowl XLI. Image source: YouTube.
9. Maroon 5
Maroon 5, featuring Travis Scott and Big Boi, claimed the ninth for most viewed moments at the Super Bowl, while Justin Timberlake came in tenth. As of 2019, Maroon 5 has gained 20 million views following his performance at Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, Georgia.
Justin Timberlake performing at the 2018 Super Bowl LII. Image source: YouTube.
One Of The Most Memorable Super Bowl Non-Performances
Among the 75 Super Bowl-related videos available on the NFL’s official YouTube Page, the study collected and analyzed data with a total view count of 1.3 billion. The first non-performance Super Bowl moment in the rankings is the highlights from the 2017 Super Bowl LI between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons.
The infamous Tom Brady famously led the New England Patriots to a 28-34 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, resulting in one of the greatest comebacks in sports and Super Bowl history.
JeffBet Spokesperson’s Statement
According to a spokesperson for JeffBet, “The halftime show is a major draw of the Super Bowl, and all the performers that make the top 10 clearly gave performances that had a lasting impression. Rihanna’s long-awaited return to music will take place during the next Super Bowl, and it will be interesting to see if her halftime performance will amass a similar number of views online.”
The study was conducted by JeffBet, a new online casino and sportsbook provider founded in 2022. To provide quality entertainment to people who enjoy gambling, JeffBet aims to make it possible for those to engage in a thrilling online gaming experience that is safe, fun, fair, legal, secure, and safe.
Although it’s been a while since Rihanna has released any new music, the singer will be hitting the stage in February as she headlines the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show. On Sunday, September 25th, an unexpected announcement was made by the NFL on their Twitter account saying “Let’s GO,” tagging Rihanna.
According to Complex, a TMZ reporter spoke with Rihanna outside a grocery store in Los Angeles on Tuesday, October 4th. In a clip that was caught by the paparazzo waiting for the star directly outside of the store, the woman asks, “How do you feel about performing at the..” but before she could finish Riri chimed in to say, “you are too… that was real sneaky girl!”
Rihanna feeling anxious about the Halftime Show!
The reporter continued to say, “I’m sorry, but I have to ask. How do you feel about performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show?” Rihanna responded with, “I’m nervous, but I’m excited.” The paps continued to question the Fenty Beauty creator as to who she will be bringing out on the stage. As Rihanna walks past, she shrugs her shoulders trying her best to brush off the conversation. The woman behind the camera said, “could it be ASAP?” and told the idol, she’s “gotta know.” As the “Needed Me” singer got into the car, she threw up a peace sign, thanking her.
Rihanna has fans excited for her LVII Super Bowl Halftime Performance!
The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation broke the news of the artist headlining Super Bowl status just last month. A statement shared by Roc Nation founder and frequent collaborator Jay-Z suggested Rihanna acts as a “generational talent” who is “self-made in business and entertainment.”
Past Super Bowl Halftime performances have seen stars such as Dr. Dre, Snoop, Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar in 2022, The Weeknd in 2021, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez in 2020, and the list goes on. Meanwhile, Dr. Dre spoke with Ebro Darden on Apple Music 1 just last month, where he shared some advice for the singer. He says, “Put the right people around you, and have fun! That’s basically what it is, making sure you have the right creative people around you.” Dre then adds, “I’m a super fan of Rihanna. I can’t wait to see what she’s going to do.”
Rihanna gestures on stage during her Fenty Beauty talk. Image source: Mark Ganzon, Getty Images for Fenty Beauty.
With the exciting news of Rihanna headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show next year, she has a massive list of guests that can join her on one of the world’s biggest stages. TMZhas reported that the global superstar has not yet picked who will join her on stage. With her insane amount of hits and features, it would be hard to choose who she could fit in the 13-minute time slot if she decided to do so.
Rihanna’s Discography
After 17 years in the game, there are several songs that Rihanna can add to her set list. Most of them will also be heavy hitters. The first that comes to mind is “Umbrella,” featuring Jay-Z.
The song later solidified Rihanna into a pop superstar and earned her her first Grammy. While on the topic of Jay-Z, the pair could also add a snippet of “Talk That Talk” or “Run This Town” with Jay Kanye West.
Another possibility could be Eminem. The pair collaborated on the two record-breaking songs “Love The Way You Lie” and “The Monster.”
Calvin Harris also produced the infectious tracks “We Found Love” and “This Is What You Came For.”
She also has a handful of collaborations with Drake, including “What’s My Name” and “Work.” Other possibilities could be Paul McCartney, Maroon 5, Kendrick Lamar, and Pharell, where she can spit her standout rap verse from “Lemon.” With or without guests, this performance will be one for the books.
It will also be Rih’s first performance in over 5 years. It is set to go down on February 12 in Glendale, Arizona. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar took the stage last year in Inglewood, CA.
New Album?
Like most Super Bowl headliners, Rihanna will likely announce a new song, new album, or a tour. With recent pictures of Rihanna heading into the studio solo or with A$AP Rocky, her ninth studio album could finally be coming after months of teasing new music.
There are rumors that Rihanna will release a new song before Halloween, with the new album set to drop in January. It’s an exciting time for music and Rihanna fans. The National Fenty League has arrived.
On Sunday, September 25, the NFL made it official that Rihanna will be headlining the upcoming Super Bowl giving the fans a lot to look forward to.
Rihanna Creates Big Buzz
Social media went into overdrive over the newest buzz that a particular artist could make an appearance on one of the biggest stages in the world. Headlines across media platforms read Rihanna in talks for headlining the upcoming Super Bowl. Fans were glued to their devices with their fingers crossed. So, it was no small thing when the info leaked.
This was exhilarating news for multiple reasons. First, the artist has been on hiatus for a while now. It has been six years since RiRi released a signature project. After her 2016 “Anti,” she disappeared from the airwaves. But who could blame her? The “Do Your Thing Artist” had poured her complete essence into album after album with great success. In fact, according to Fortune,
“With sales of more than 250 million records worldwide, Rihanna ranks as one of the best-selling female artists ever.”
Queen of Creativity
Although Rihanna was taking a hiatus from music, she was as focused as ever, directing her fierce and creative spirit elsewhere. And she once again excelled. The Barbadian queen was now the first black woman, as Vogue notes, to lead a luxury house.
Rihanna Fenty. Image Source: Kevin Mazur – Getty Images
Rumors of Rihanna’s Come Back
In 2020, fans got hints that the artist could be coming back. In an interview with Vogue, Rihanna stated, “she was aggressively working on her next music project.” However, there was no notion of when that would be fulfilled. And it became apparent at the announcement of her pregnancy it would be a while longer. But it was all good. The radiance of motherhood looked splendid on RiRi. In May of 2022, the beaming and talented performer became a mother to a beautiful baby boy.
Rihanna. Image Source: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Super Bowl Announcement a Real Surprise
Although fans have patiently been in wait for another album, the Super Bowl announcement was most unexpected. In 2020 the “Watch n Learn,” artist turned down an invitation to perform at the Superbowl in support of Colin Kapernick. But a lot can transpire in two years. So, right before the NFL made the official announcement, the Bajan beauty took to social media with a post cluing her fans into the outcome of the talks.
The Tidal interview with Elliott Wilson, which aired on Friday (Mar. 4), has Snoop recounting the monumental moment and Hov’s statement.
“Jay was the first one that came to the dressing room when I got offstage,” Snoop Dogg recalled. “We had [300 Entertainment CEO] Kevin Liles in there. Kevin Liles had Jay on FaceTime, trying to show him where we was at. So then he came down, and soon as he came in he hugged me. We hug each other tight. It was as if we won a championship. Like, you know when you’re genuinely happy for each other? People don’t understand, me and him are the ones. He’s the one on the East. I’m the one from the West.”
Snoop then continues…
“We love each other. Like, not secretly, like publicly, we love each other. It is what it is, so it’s like for him to go to bat for us and tell the NFL, ‘Fuck that. They perform or I quit,’ that was the most gangster shit out of everything. Then with attire and kneeling and all this … you can’t wear your gang bang shit? Jay-Z hit me like, ‘Wear what the fuck you want to wear. Peace to the Gods.'”
An Agreement Was Made
The NFL and Jay-Z’s Roc Nationagreed back in August 2019 to manage the league’s entertainment options, also the Super Bowl halftime show. A few then deemed the partnership problematic since it was conceived during the tumultuous period between the NFL and former quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
The Weeknd performed the halftime show last year. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira headlined the event a year prior in Miami. The Super Bowl, LVI’s halftime show, garnered 103.4 million views, more than the game itself.
