Super Bowl LVIII 2024 Performers consist of a long list but Rihanna is confirmed as the 2024 headliner. Get the inside scoop on RiRi’s potential setlist, special guest rumor’s, performance logistics, viewership projections, and more. This in-depth guide also breaks down halftime show history and what to expect when the Anti superstar takes music’s biggest stage.
Introduction
Millions of people watch the Super Bowl show every year, making it one of the most popular musical events of the year. The 2024 edition is set to be monumental with Rihanna confirmed as the featured headliner.
The excitement for Rihanna’s halftime act and whole repertory is immense, given her status as one of the greatest-selling musicians of all time and a symbol of hip hop, pop and R&B. There is also much speculation around potential special guest collaborators, record viewership numbers, and more.
This definitive guide will break down everything you need to know about the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII halftime show performance including:
- A brief history of memorable halftime show moments
- An overview of Rihanna’s legendary music career
- Setlist expectations and special guest probabilities
- Production logistics from the creative team to stage design
- Predictions on viewership milestones and fan reactions
Super Bowl LVIII 2024 Performers Halftime Show History
Origins and Early Years
University bands that marched participated in the inaugural Super Bowl performance in the year 1967. Halftime presentations began using drill teams and performing groups like Up With People to draw in large live audiences as the Super Bowl gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. Early Super Bowl halftime highlights that stand out the most include:
1991: New Kids on the Block perform medley of hits during Super Bowl XXV broadcast on ABC.
1993: Michael Jackson gives theatrical performance with messages of racial harmony.
1995: Indiana Jones themed show features Patti LaBelle singing hits.
21st Century Halftime Show Takeover
The early 2000s saw a major shift towards A-list musicians headlining epic halftime show productions. Pop, rock, and hip hop acts deliver over-the-top spectacles with costume changes, dancing, special effects, and staged stunts year after year.
Some unforgettable viral moments over the last 20 years include:
2004: Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s “wardrobe malfunction”.
2015: Left Shark stealing show during Katy Perry’s performance.
2017: Lady Gaga diving off the stadium roof.
Other iconic Super Bowl halftime show headliners from recent years include The Weeknd, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Beyoncé, and the legendary Prince.
Previous Halftime Show Headliners
| Year | Performer(s) | Setlist Highlights | Special Guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar | “The Next Episode”, “Family Affair, “Lose Yourself”, “Alright” | 50 Cent (surprise guest) |
| 2021 | The Weeknd | “Starboy”, “Can’t Feel My Face”, “Blinding Lights” | None |
| 2020 | Jennifer Lopez, Shakira | “Jenny From the Block”, “Hips Don’t Lie”, “Waka Waka” | J Balvin, Bad Bunny |
| 2019 | Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi | “Moves Like Jagger”, “Sicko Mode”, “The Way You Move” | N/A |
| 2017 | Lady Gaga | “Poker Face”, “Born This Way”, “Bad Romance” | None |
| 2016 | Coldplay, Beyonce, Bruno Mars | “Viva la Vida”, “Formation”, “Uptown Funk” | None |
Rihanna’s Music Career
Early Days and Breakthrough
Originally from Barbados, Rihanna moved to the United States as a teenager to pursue a music career. She was discovered by record producer Evan Rogers who helped her land an audition with Def Jam records where famed rapper Jay-Z signed her.
Her debut single “Pon de Replay” released in the year 2005 and turned out to be a dance club and pop hit. This helped her to boost her career, and soon she transitioned from Caribbean rhythms towards more pop and R&B focused sounds on her early albums.
Some of Rihanna’s first #1 smash hits on the Billboard charts include:
- “SOS” (2006)
- “Umbrella” featuring Jay-Z (2007)
- “Take a Bow” (2008)
Path to Superstardom
The late 2000s represented Rihanna’s leap to bona-fide superstar status fueled by a streak of chart-topping singles. She also began incorporating more dance and electronic music elements into hits like “Only Girl (In the World)” and “We Found Love”.
Key achievements and milestones over the years include:
- First artist ever to have #1 singles spanning across 7 consecutive years
- According to Billboard, Rihanna has sold over 250 million records worldwide
- Won 9 Grammy Awards and 13 American Music Awards so far
Her style and sound would continue evolving over time exploring R&B, hip hop, dubstep, and tropical fusion sounds while still delivering mass pop appeal.
Rihanna’s Potential 2024 Halftime Setlist
With a deep catalogue of monster hits spanning her 17-year recording career, RiRi will have some tough choices deciding which songs make the prized Super Bowl setlist. Let’s analyze possibilities:
Hit Singles Most Likely to be Performed
As a consistent radio and streaming juggernaut, these uptempo tunes seem guaranteed for inclusion:
- “Umbrella”
- “We Found Love”
- “Diamonds”
- “Work”
- “Wild Thoughts”
She also seems likely to highlight tracks from ‘Anti’ like “Needed Me”, “Love on the Brain”, and “Kiss It Better” for the R&B lovers.
Album Cuts and Deep Cuts Possibilities
Fan-favorite album tracks she could easily perform include “Questions Existing”, “Breakin’ Dishes”, and “Desperado”. While they weren’t necessarily big singles, these songs let Rihanna highlight different musical styles.
She may also throwback with deeper cuts like “If It’s Lovin’ that You Want” and “Let Me” from her debut album ‘Music Of The Sun’ for surprise nostalgia.
How Long is Halftime Show and Setlist Expectations
The average halftime show performance spans around 13 minutes. In that timeframe, headliners generally cram in 3-5 of their biggest hits often medley style mashing up truncated versions back-to-back.
So in 13 minutes, Rihanna will likely blast through at least 5 of her chart-toppers. This still leaves open slots for wildcards like a deep cut rarity or two collaborated with a special guest.
Potential Special Guest Appearances
While historically most halftime headliners like Beyonce, Bruno Mars, and The Weeknd have opted to mostly fly solo, there is always room for surprises. Rihanna has several likely candidates that could pop up.
Previous Collaborators
At past award shows and concerts, these frequent Rihanna collaborators would be prime suspects for cameo appearances:
- Drake: The duo behind steamy hit “Work” could turn up the heat again.
- Eminem: After appearing together on “Love the Way You Lie” and 2010’s “Love the Way You Lie (Part II)”, a reunion with Em is possible.
- Paul McCartney: The Beatles legend featured on smash “Four-Five Seconds” also with Kanye West. Performing it would be epic.
Rumored 2024 Collaborations
If the rumors are true that Rihanna has been secretly recording a new album, she may preview never before heard collaborations with:
- Lady Gaga – Fellow pop superstars have repeatedly hinted at collaborating one day.
- A$AP Rocky – Rumored to be dating Rihanna currently and potentially working together in the studio as well.
Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show Production
Executing a flawless halftime show performance takes an army of creative and technical staff working round the clock. Let’s look behind the scenes.
Behind the Scenes Team
The creative direction and production will be orchestrated under Roc Nation executive Jay Brown with Jesse Collins serving as an executive producer. Hamish Hamilton directs the broadcast visuals.
Lighting design and visual effects wizardry will come from GRAMMY and EMMY winning teams to transform the stage and add next-level spectacle.
Stage Design and Setup Logistics
The main performance will happen on an elevated stage on the field allowing 360-degree views for the stadium audience. Expect marching bands, probably drumlines and dancers surrounding floor perimeter.
Satellite stages often get implemented allowing performers to get closer to fans in end zones and along sidelines. This expands scope of show and camera shot possibilities.
In the week ahead, hundreds of crew members work practically 24/7 loading in equipment, running wires for power/data, programming lights, and rehearsing tirelessly right up until hours before kickoff.
Costume Changes and Wardrobe
Rihanna is renowned for serving next-level high-fashion looks. Expect show-stopping performance outfits highlighting Savage X Fenty lingerie and Fenty brands.
Her styling team including Jahleel Weaver and Adam Selman will ensure she has several costume changes. This allows her to create memorable moments dancing and singing in different eye-catching designer looks from karaoke-style casual wear to dramatic gowns and everything in between.
Impact and Reaction Expectations
Based on Rihanna’s cultural influence and the gigantic platform the Super Bowl provides, her 2024 halftime show could make serious history.
Potential Records or Milestones
- With over 102 million Instagram followers and legions of fans worldwide we could see viewership records. The current most watched halftime show was Katy Perry’s in 2015 with 118.5 million tune-ins.
- Streaming records on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube also within reach.
- This will represent the first halftime show performance for Rihanna setting a personal career milestone.
Fan Reactions and Recap
If she is willing to spend millions, VFX technology can enable jaw-dropping moments like holograms, aerial stunts, and drones swarms. Fans would buzz about spectacle raising the bar.
The setlist and special guests, or any surprise album news, will also fuel fan chatter and debate afterward. Expect memes galore regardless summarizing best moments.
NFL and Future Halftime Shows
Rihanna’s cultural dominance and willingness to innovate creatively with fashion, technology, and music coupled with the halftime show’s platform for amplification could usher in new eras for the NFL. Her success could see more hip hop and R&B artists headline in the coming years. We’ll be keeping an eye out for rumors on performers in 2025 and beyond.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show appearance will be monumental as she now cements G.O.A.T status not just in music but as a cultural icon and visionary entrepreneur.
This was just a glimpse into what we might expect from the impending performance still over a year away. One thing is certain though, all eyes will be on Rihanna and the anticipation in the weeks ahead will reach fever pitch.
