The Return of Rihanna

Last night after what felt like an eternity, Rihanna returned to one of the biggest stages in the world, the Super Bowl Halftime show. In what felt like one of the most anticipated performances that the world has been waiting for, head to toe in pure red, she dazzled. With only twelve minutes of allotted run time, from suspended platforms to production set, she served up a myriad of hits, both recent and classic from all sides of her catalog. One of the biggest running jokes of the night was “there’s a Rihanna concert tonight,” and I won’t lie, I don’t know which was better, her performance or the game itself, and it was a really, really good game. As soon as that Apple Music screen transitioned to her gaze, people were ready for a show, and she gave them something to remember. Her climatic ending of “Diamonds” with the crowd lighting up was one of that superstar moments on the level of Michael Jackson standing alone while people scream. For sure one of my favorite Super Bowl Halftime shows and featured the music of one of the artists I’ve been blessed to watch and listen to. Also, I can’t imagine how it feels for the people of Barbados, especially young women and girls. Rihanna is an incredible force, and last night reignited public conversation, but she knew what this meant and how many people would be watching, and what it would mean not only for herself but her people.

Overall, one for the history books.