On the latest episode of The Process with Nate Burleson podcast, Rihanna revealed that she turned to Beyoncé’s iconic Super Bowl Halftime Show performances for inspiration as she prepared for her own.
Acknowledging Beyoncé’s unmatched talent and stage presence, Rihanna, 34, admitted to studying the performances of the “Cuff It” singer to elevate her own halftime performance.
“Beyoncé is a force to be reckoned with, on a whole other level. I watched her halftime performances a couple of times just to be inspired,” Rihanna shared with podcast host Nate Burleson.
Beyoncé’s Super Bowl appearances have been nothing short of spectacular, with memorable moments including her solo performance in 2013’s Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show and her collaboration with Bruno Mars and Coldplay in 2016’s Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show.
As Rihanna prepares for her own Super Bowl LVII performance, she faced the challenge of selecting which songs to include in her set. With 17 years of hits to choose from, Rihanna emphasized the difficulty in condensing her catalog into just 13 minutes while still celebrating her music in the best possible way.
“We had to make some tough decisions about which songs to include, given the time constraints. But I believe we’ve crafted a set that honors my journey and resonates with the audience,” Rihanna shared during a press conference.
Despite her intense focus on the upcoming performance, Rihanna admitted to momentarily forgetting about her impending birthday and Valentine’s Day celebrations. However, as a new mother to her 8-month-old son and a returning artist after a seven-year hiatus, Rihanna recognized the significance of her Super Bowl appearance.
“Motherhood has empowered me to take on new challenges and seize opportunities like performing at the Super Bowl. It’s important for me to set an example for my son and show him that anything is possible,” Rihanna expressed.
Super Bowl LVII will showcase Rihanna’s highly anticipated halftime performance, broadcast live from State Farm Stadium in Arizona on Feb 12 at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.