Rihanna made her long-awaited return to the stage with her epic Super Bowl performance.
Back in September, the Umbrella singer broke the internet after she announced her headlining halftime performance at the coveted sporting event.
A few days before her highly anticipated performance, RiRi spilt some behind-the-scenes tea during Apple Music’s pre-Super Bowl press conference.
“I mean, it’s a long way from home, right? It’s a beautiful journey that I’m on, and I could have never guessed I would have made it here,” she said during a press conference.
“So it’s a celebration of that. I’m excited to do that. I’m really excited to have Barbados on the Super Bowl stage.”
She also opened up about the difficulties of fitting her expansive catalogue in a 13-minute set.
“That was the hardest, hardest part, deciding how to maximize 13 minutes but also celebrate,” she explained. “But I think we did a pretty good job of narrowing it down.”
On 12 February, the beloved talent finally made her return to centre stage after a five-year absence.
Pulling out all the extravagant stops, the Grammy winner performed some of her biggest hits – including Diamonds, Umbrella, Wild Thoughts, We Found Love and Work – all while traversing levitating stages and a fierce runway.
Rihanna’s full Superbowl Halftime Performance pic.twitter.com/2CrDybfJJn
— 🎥 (@megsmedia) February 13, 2023
In addition to her showstopping stage presence and ethereal vocals, Rihanna announced to the world that she was expecting her second child with her longtime boyfriend A$AP Rocky.
Following her closing number of Diamonds, fans flocked to social media to gush about the Ocean 8 star’s legendary music comeback.
One fan wrote: “Rihanna closing her Super Bowl performance with diamonds is one for the history books.”
Another fan tweeted: “What a f**ing woman. A revolution that I’m proud to witness. Delivering a 13-minute performance spanning 17 YEARS worth of music while carrying your 2nd child after seven years away from the stage. Continue setting and pushing boundaries, Rih. You won.”
Rihanna’s industry peers also expressed their admiration for the 13-minute set and her expansive list of hit songs.
Ellen DeGeneres, wrote: “I don’t even care who wins anymore, That was INCREDIBLE. She sounded great! Looks great. I love her.”
SZA added: “The HITS RIH HAS ARE UNF**KITTABLE. Low key endless. So inspiring!”
Check out more fan reactions to Rihanna’s unforgettable Super Bowl performance below:
This is like one of those epic shots that define your career. WOAH #FentyBowl pic.twitter.com/B6GA5hlRnU
— pilotJones🪩 (@hanleykevon) February 13, 2023
Rihanna Really Ate The Pose Part ✨🎶 #FentyBowl pic.twitter.com/7bYkeSFnVy
— RIHVERSE 🏈 (@Rihversee) February 13, 2023
Can we take a moment to appreciate Justina Miles for being an amazing ASL translator throughout the #FentyBowl pic.twitter.com/i9TuYX0VBu
— Ray Liu, Writer (@rayliur) February 13, 2023
I don’t think @rihanna understand the level of excitement she brought to everyone that loves her and her music. She sang classics that made us go way back. ❤️ Danced and sang while pregnant. Epic! #FentyBowl #RihannaSuperBowl #Rihanna pic.twitter.com/ic4piMumkp
— Maybe Later (@MaybeLa78670644) February 13, 2023
This was a kii. 😂 #FentyBowl pic.twitter.com/pxsLfRl1nt
— he reads. (@TheGreatIsNate) February 13, 2023
That Pour it up – Pose transition and then diamonds at the end! Rihanna you will always be famous! 😭 #FentyBowl pic.twitter.com/obgbMNmZrG
— 𝑅𝒾𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓃𝒶’𝓈 𝑅𝑒𝒹 𝐿𝒾𝓅𝓈𝓉𝒾𝒸𝓀⚓🦄🌈 (@KoketsoMaleka_) February 13, 2023
I love watching Rihanna perform at the super bowl. what a great and amazing performer. #SuperBowl #FentyBowl #Rihanna #RihannaSuperBowl pic.twitter.com/tQqcCDCpD7
— Annoyed_Am€ricanidiot (@chrissyquiet_am) February 13, 2023
cant get over this rihanna #FentyBowl pic.twitter.com/z4XI2btE8Q
— suck my balls (@welldamm16) February 13, 2023
Rihanna proving once again that women are unstoppable 🥹🤰🏽#FentyBowl
— 𝙀𝙢𝙢𝙖𝘾𝙝𝙡𝙤𝙚𝙚 (@emmachloee) February 13, 2023
Rihanna After The Superbowl Performance 🥹✨✨ Really Proud Of Her #FentyBowl pic.twitter.com/ibpoMZAKIR
— RIHVERSE 🏈 (@Rihversee) February 13, 2023
the only thing this Rihanna #SuperBowl Half Time performance does is remind me why Rihanna is a musical superstar. she made sure her mic was ON #FentyBowl #HalftimeShow pic.twitter.com/ELsNEkNlx7
— aubrey 〄 🆘 (@aubreyvision) February 13, 2023
OMG THAT WAS LEGENDARY #FentyBowl pic.twitter.com/6PoFIcA8Al
— َ (@ryryscientist) February 13, 2023
we made it yall #FentyBowl pic.twitter.com/Xo0ew4ZNvL
— 𝘃𝗮𝗹 🏈 (@RihannaData) February 13, 2023