Entertainment
Rihanna reveals she’s pregnant at Super Bowl half-time show
Rihanna delivered an electrifying and hit-heavy half-time show at Sunday’s Super Bowl, but social media went into meltdown when the singer revealed an unexpected special guest.
In an interview last week, the Bajan singer was asked if there would be any surprises during her performance at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium.
“I’m thinking about bringing someone,” she replied. “I’m not sure, we’ll see.”
Naturally, fans assumed she was talking about one of the many artists she’s collaborated with during her illustrious career. A guest spot from Jay-Z, Drake or Eminem seemed both likely and in keeping with the half-time show tradition of surprise duets.
But Rihanna wasn’t referring to any of them. Although nobody twigged at the time, she was in fact hinting that she was pregnant with her second child.
The singer may have failed to debut any new music during her performance at Sunday’s Super Bowl, but the baby bump she debuted instead almost broke the internet.
Wearing an all-red custom jumpsuit by Loewe, Rihanna appeared on one of several floating platforms which soared high above the crowd, as a swarm of energetic dancers, all dressed in white, gathered below.
The audience went wild as the singer launched straight into Better Have My Money – a somewhat ironic opener considering she is not being paid for her Super Bowl performance.
As the 34-year-old dazzled the crowd from on high, her dancers performed beneath her at breakneck speed, in a display of razor-sharp choreography which they would maintain throughout the whole performance.
The singer rattled through several recognisable hits, front-loading her set with some of her most danceable and up-tempo numbers including Only Girl (In The World) and the excellent Where Have You Been.
It was a half-time show not short on spectacle, even once she had been lowered to the ground. Fireworks were let off above the stadium as she launched into the euphoric We Found Love.
While rumours that the star might take the opportunity to perform new music failed to materialise, the decision to rely on her extensive back catalogue, one of the strongest in pop, was a sensible one.
The singer packed a huge number of hits into a tight 14-minute set, only performing the first verse or chorus of certain songs. But monster hits such as Rude Boy were balanced with the somewhat harder-edged and lesser-known Pour It Up.
Somewhat disappointingly, the set list took advantage of some of her best-known collaborations – without any of her collaborators actually joining her on stage.
As she performed Run This Town, All of the Lights and Wild Thoughts, there were no appearances from Jay-Z, Ye (formerly Kanye West) or DJ Khaled, who normally feature on those tracks.
But their absence didn’t matter. By this point, everyone’s attention was firmly on an entirely different, and very visible, special guest.
Confusion initially permeated social media as fans rushed to share their theories about Rihanna’s apparent baby bump. Many pointed out the singer is known for her body positivity and could well have just been showing off her curvier figure following her previous pregnancy.
Although the star’s bump was on display throughout, Rihanna did not draw attention to it quite as explicitly as Beyoncé did at the MTV VMAs in 2011, where she memorably dropped her microphone, unbuttoned her jacket and rubbed her belly.
But as Rihanna’s set progressed on Sunday, viewers became increasingly confident she was pregnant again, nine months after she and her partner A$AP Rocky welcomed their son.
Within an hour of Rihanna’s performance drawing to a close, as her fans debated exactly which trimester she might be in, her representatives officially confirmed the singer’s good news.
While some fans admitted to a tinge of disappointment that this will likely mean yet another delay to Rihanna’s much-anticipated ninth studio album, the reaction on social media was overwhelmingly joyful.
Elsewhere, there were no costume changes during Rihanna’s set – quite understandably – and her band looked positively tiny compared with the number of dancers.
Unlike last year’s half-time show, which saw Eminem take the knee on stage, Rihanna’s set was distinctly light on political statements – something which may surprise those who remember why she previously turned down the Super Bowl.
The singer confirmed to Vogue in 2019 she had declined the invitation in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, the quarterback who controversially knelt during the national anthem in protest against racism and police brutality. “I just couldn’t be a sellout. I couldn’t be an enabler,” she said at the time.
Four years later, “taking the knee” is much more commonplace, particularly in light of the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, and Rihanna’s headlining of the Super Bowl is perhaps a sign of her approval of the NFL’s progress in recent years.
Fans broadly agreed her performance was worth the wait, featuring a set list which she had joked earlier in the week had been through 39 drafts before it was finalised.
Rihanna even found time to subtly plug her cosmetics brand, by fixing her make-up mid-performance – something which quickly became another of the night’s viral moments.
Meanwhile, the annual jokes about the culture clash between pop music fans and sports fans were in full swing on social media, with Rihanna even embracing them herself.
Ahead of the show, her clothing label manufactured T-shirts with the slogan: “Rihanna concert interrupted by a football game. Weird but whatever.” Model Cara Delevingne was among the attendees sporting one on Sunday.
Rihanna’s fans admit she doesn’t necessarily have the best voice in music. It’s more distinctive than it is powerful, the kind of voice you would recognise instantly as hers on the radio, even if it was an unfamiliar song.
Ahead of her Super Bowl debut, Stereogum’s Tom Breihan noted: “Rihanna never needed to over-sing anything; she always sounded too cool to emote.”
But what has set Rihanna apart from some of her peers is the sheer number of hits she has to her name. In the late noughties and early 2010s, she churned out chart-toppers faster than the industry’s top songwriters could compose them.
She released seven albums in as many years, scoring a new worldwide hit every few weeks. As a result, perhaps one inevitable disappointment with her Super Bowl set was the number of songs she simply couldn’t squeeze in.
Some of her earlier smashes, such as Pon de Replay and SOS, would have gone down a treat, as would the pounding Don’t Stop The Music and the catchy What’s My Name (although we did get a tiny snippet of the latter right at the beginning, before she appeared on stage).
Other fan favourites, such as the rather graphic S&M, were probably wise to avoid, given the Super Bowl’s history with pop stars offending family audiences during the half-time show.
However, the song wasn’t missing entirely – its vocal hook was layered on top of We Found Love, while a few seconds of another risqué but popular track, Birthday Cake, were teased just before Pour It Up.
And surely everybody can be grateful that her set wasn’t dragged down by her most recent release – Lift Me Up, from the soundtrack to Marvel’s Wakanda Forever. A perfectly nice song which deserves its Oscar nomination, but one which would not have worked at the Super Bowl.
Instead, Rihanna deployed some of her biggest hits as she hurtled towards the end of her set, climaxing with her ode to British weather, Umbrella, and the rousing, anthemic Diamonds.
It may not have grabbed the headlines for the reasons fans were expecting, but Rihanna delivered a half-time show they will never forget.
Entertainment
Twelve Contestants to Compete in Haynes Smith Ms. Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant
The Haynes Smith Ms. Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant returns on December 29 in the British Virgin Islands.
Twelve remarkable young women from across the Caribbean will showcase their cultures, share their dreams, and connect with their communities.
Representing the British Virgin Islands is Ms. Asha Hyndman, a young woman whose commitment to her heritage, health advocacy, and future dreams has already inspired many around her. Asha’s platform, Looking Good: Eye Care Education for All, hits close to home. Living with Keratoconus, a progressive eye condition affecting her vision, Asha understands the challenges that come with an invisible condition. “Eye health is often overlooked, but I know firsthand how deeply it can affect your life,” Asha shares. Through her platform, she hopes to educate others, raise awareness about vision care, and show compassion to those with similar challenges.
Asha’s ambitions extend beyond healthcare advocacy. She is passionate about Moko Jumbie, the traditional stilt-walking art of the Caribbean that embodies both skill and storytelling. “Moko Jumbie is more than a performance; it’s our culture in motion,” she says. Asha envisions making this art form more visible, from local celebrations to global stages, while also mentoring young performers to ensure this tradition endures. “It’s an honor to be part of something that has stood the test of time, and I want to keep that spirit alive,” she adds.
On the academic front, Asha has set her sights on becoming an ophthalmologist, a dream shaped by her own experience with vision issues. After completing her studies in Biology, she hopes to establish an ophthalmology practice in her home country, expanding it across the Caribbean over time. “I want to give people in my community the kind of specialized care that they often have to leave the island to find,” she explains. She even has her sights set on collaborating with the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, a move she believes will bring top-quality eye care within reach for Caribbean residents.
Yet Asha’s ambitions reach even further. A lover of travel and discovery, she’s been inspired by the adventures of popular travel vloggers Kara and Nate, and she’s eager to explore every corner of the world—particularly the remote beauty of Antarctica. “There’s so much to learn from different cultures, landscapes, and experiences,” she says with excitement. “Travel gives you a new perspective on life, and I can’t wait to broaden my own.”
The Haynes Smith Ms. Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant has long been a space for young women like Asha to celebrate their identity and passions. It’s more than a pageant—it’s a gathering of dreams and the shared spirit of the Caribbean’s next generation. As December approaches, these twelve contestants aren’t just preparing for a competition; they’re ready to step into the spotlight, showing the Caribbean and the world what they’re made of. This year’s pageant promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the strength, talent, and future of the islands.
Entertainment
MHV Resorts and Hotels Unveils the Cane Garden Bay Beach Hotel in Tortola
MHV Resorts & Hotels has officially taken the reins of Quito’s Luxury Inn and Quito’s Gazebo Restaurant & Bar, following months of negotiations. The resort group, led by prominent Virgin Islands businessman Mark Vanterpool, assumed control of the well-known Cane Garden Bay properties on October 1, 2024. As part of the transition, the hotel will be rebranded as The Cane Garden Bay Beach Hotel by MHV Resorts and Hotels.
MHV Resorts & Hotels has a robust 40-year history in the British Virgin Islands, with a portfolio that includes supermarkets, restaurants, and now high-end hotels. Their expansion into the hospitality industry reflects the group’s commitment to enhancing the BVI’s tourism offerings and providing quality service for both locals and visitors.
In a statement, Vanterpool expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “MHV Resorts and Hotels is excited to join the vibrant Cane Garden Bay community, a cultural and tourism icon in the BVI. We look forward to creating employment opportunities and collaborating with local businesses to foster sustainable growth, while preserving the bay’s unique charm.”
The renovated restaurant, formerly known as Quito’s Gazebo, will reopen in the coming month under the new name Rhythm & Sands, continuing its legacy as a beloved destination for music and good times. Guests can expect a perfect blend of fine dining and the laid-back rhythms that have long made Cane Garden Bay a favorite in the BVI. The hotel is set to open shortly after, just in time for the 2024-2025 tourist season.
With this transition, any uncertainty surrounding the future of the historic property can be laid to rest. The new Cane Garden Bay Beach Hotel promises a luxurious escape where guests can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the bay and the soothing sounds of the sea.
To book your stay or learn more about the new hotel and restaurant, visit: CaneGardenBayBeachHotel.net. For official updates, visit MHVresortsandhotels.com.
Entertainment
Chargers Teachers Receive Heartfelt Gifts to Kick Off 2024 Teacher Appreciation Week
The excitement at ETPS Downs was electric as teachers were showered with gifts and tokens of appreciation, thanks to the school’s PTA Class Representatives.
The thoughtful deliveries, ranging from flowers to personalized items, marked the start of the 2024 Teacher Appreciation Week, an annual celebration that recognizes the hard work and dedication of educators.
The initiative, aptly dubbed “Chargers Love Gifts,” sparked joy across the campus. Teachers were visibly moved by the kind gestures, with smiles and gratitude radiating as the school community rallied to honor their contributions.
As the festivities for Teacher Appreciation Week continue, the school invites everyone to join in honoring the educators who shape the minds and futures of tomorrow.
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