Opinion — Rihanna’s halftime show radiated women’s empowerment

In the lead-up to the Super Bowl halftime show, fan excitement grew with the possibility of hearing long-awaited new music from Rihanna. I’d argue that what we got was even better.

It will come as a surprise to absolutely no one that I thought Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance was flawless.

The Barbados-born icon, who has been on a musical hiatus for most of the last decade, finally re-emerged on one of the world’s biggest stages on Sunday. In a quick thirteen minutes, Rihanna reminded us of just how much she’s given to the music industry over the years.

Fans who were hoping for a preview of the long-awaited R9 were likely left unsatisfied. Though incredible, the show was comprised entirely of bangers we already know and love.

On stage, Rihanna’s cool and calm demeanour was partnered with subtle belly rubs and a tongue-in-cheek Fenty Beauty advert, solidifying my suspicions that she’s permanently evolved well beyond her chart-topping roots.

As a new mother (of two!), businesswoman, activist, and creator of eight studio albums, can we really be surprised or mad that releasing new projects is no longer Rihanna’s…