Rihanna to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2023

Rihanna has been announced to headline the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show, making it her return to the stage for the first time in five years.

The artist shared a post on social media, showing a hand holding an NFL-branded football, as the news broke, dispelling rumours that Taylor Swift would be performing the show.

Rihanna’s last performance was back in 2018 at the GRAMMY Awards with DJ Khaled and Bryson Tiller and before that, it was in 2016 on her album tour ‘Anti’.

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The NFL describe the halftime show as “one of the most coveted slots in music” according to the BBC, with this year's show having over 120 million viewers.

"Rihanna is a once in a generation artist who has been a cultural force throughout her career," the NFL added.

As part of the Super Bowl announcement, Dr. Dre who was part of this year’s show, spoke to Ebro Darden on his Apple Music 1 show to discuss the news.

“I just like her and what she does, and her get down, and how she approaches her artistry and the whole nine,” Dr. Dre said. “It’s fantastic. She has the opportunity to really blow us away. I know we set the bar extremely high.”

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Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation is involved in the organisation of the show, described Rihanna as a "woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn".

"A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment," he added.

This year, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg took to the stage along with Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige and a special appearance by 50 Cent dangling in the air.

The Super Bowl LVII will take place on February 12.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Video and Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter