Is Rihanna making a comeback?

Rihanna released a single, expected to perform at Super Bowl

Fair use from Hollywood Records

Fair use from Hollywood Records

Anisa Kahin

It’s been six years since Rihanna last released anything music-related, but she is believed to be back and better than ever. Rihanna’s last studio album “ANTI” was released back in 2016, but no one anticipated that it would be her last. In a 2018 article by Insider, a fan asked Rihanna if she forgot about her music career and she responded by saying that her fans would never forgive her if she quit as a singer. “HOW! Y’all would never let me Lolol,” she added. 

With her time off from music, she launched Fenty Beauty in 2017. After her beauty line caught attention, she then released her lingerie brand “Savage X Fenty,” making her a household name. She dropped a song in 2017 with N.E.R.D. called “Lemon” and starred in some films, such as “Oceans 8” and “Home.” She also welcomed a baby boy earlier this year with partner A$AP Rocky. Rihanna talked about how adorable she finds her son’s reaction to just waking up “It’s the cutest, it’s my favorite part of the day,” she said, raving about her favorite moments as a mother. Even though the public has been obsessed with Rihanna’s business endeavors, they’ve also been pleading for her to release a new album.

There have also been rumors about Rihanna performing at the Super Bowl, but nothing had been confirmed until she teased her fans about it on Instagram. The NFL and Rihanna both posted her hand holding an NFL football. The NFL also briefly changed its bio to “The National Fenty League.” This was confirmation of Rihanna performing at the Super Bowl next year. There isn’t a complete list of who is performing at the 2023 SuperBowl, but those rumored to be performing alongside Rihanna are Jay-Z, Calvin Harris, Paul McCartney, Eminem, Jeezy, Kendrick Lamar, Shakira and Coldplay. Many fans believe she’ll be back for good, while others speculate she’ll go back to her businesses.

Rihanna is most famously known for her music, as her first song dates back to 2005. At age 23, she was the youngest to achieve ten number-one hits. Her latest single was released on Oct. 28. The song is titled “Lift Me Up” and will be a part of the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack. The song is an emotional and incredible tune that sets the tone for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever but many are saying that it isn’t the usual Rihanna. Rihanna’s albums, like “ANTI” or “Good Girl Gone Bad,” are categorized as Hip-Hop and/or R&B, which is a complete turn from “Lift Me Up.” Most of Rihanna’s songs are songs that are usually played out in public places, like a party, but her latest single is something more heartfelt. All of Rihanna’s music still has the same soul tone and fans can hear Rihanna’s vocal talent. Regardless of Rihanna’s future plans, she’s doing an impressive job and she should continue what she’s doing.