Rihanna’s Super Bowl 2023 Setlist: A Look at Her halftime Show Performance

Rihanna took the Super Bowl 2023 stage by storm in a red jumpsuit last February 12 at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona, USA, delivering a spellbinding Super Bowl halftime show live performance that left audiences breathless.

The Barbadian singer and songwriter brought her A-game to the biggest sporting event of the year, performing some of her biggest hits from her entire career and showcasing her incredible talent. 

In this article, we’ll look at Rihanna’s Super Bowl 2023 setlist and highlight some of the best moments from her performance.

Rihanna’s setlist for the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show was packed with hits, featuring a mix of upbeat tracks and ballads that showcased her versatility as a performer. Here’s the complete list of songs in chronological order:

Bitch Better Have My Money

Bitch Better Have My Money is a high-energy, in-your-face hip-hop track by Rihanna. With its pounding beats and siren-like synths, the song sets the tone for an aggressive and defiant vibe.

Rihanna’s vocals are fierce and assertive, delivering a clear message to anyone who may have wronged her in the past: she’s coming for what’s rightfully hers, and they’d better be ready.

The lyrics are bold and unapologetic, touching on themes of financial retribution and empowering self-assertion. Overall, the song is a bold statement from one of the biggest names in pop music, showcasing her fearlessness and commanding presence.

Where Have You Been

Where Have You Been by Rihanna is a high-energy dance-pop track showcasing the singer’s powerful vocals and ability to create an infectious beat that will get listeners on their feet.

The song is built around a pulsating bassline and pounding drums, with a synth melody adding extra depth and texture to the instrumentation.

The lyrics find Rihanna searching for someone who has been elusive, a partner who will sexually please her. Where have you been? The chorus is an explosive chorus of rhythmic harmonies that drive the song forward, as Rihanna’s voice soars over the top, delivering a confident and captivating performance.

Overall, Where Have You Been is a dynamic pop anthem with listeners dancing and singing with every beat.

Only Girl (In the World)

Only Girl (In the World) is an empowering pop ballad recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her fifth studio album Loud.

The song, written by Crystal Johnson, Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, and Sandy Wilhelm, boasts a pulsating, upbeat dance rhythm intertwined with infectious synths and a thumping bassline.

The song’s lyrics deal with the theme of love and self-empowerment, as Rihanna sings about being the only woman in her lover’s world and how that makes her feel special and desired.

Her soaring vocal performance on the track is both confident and captivating as she belts out the infectious chorus with power and passion.

The infectious production and Rihanna’s standout vocals make Only Girl (In the World) a standout track that will get people moving on the dance floor.

We Found Love – Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris

The upbeat dance-pop track “We Found Love” is a hit song by global pop star Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris.

It was unveiled in 2011 as the primary single from her sixth studio album, “Talk That Talk,” and is known for its irresistible pulsing beat, shimmering synthesizers, and Rihanna’s distinctive powerhouse vocals.

The lyrics describe a whirlwind romance, with Rihanna singing about finding love in a hopeless place and being caught up in a dangerous and intoxicating love affair. The chorus is anthemic and memorable, with Rihanna declaring we found love in a hopeless place.

The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the charts worldwide and earning widespread critical acclaim.

Rude Boy

Rude Boy is a high-energy, dancehall-inspired track that showcases Rihanna’s versatility as an artist. With a pulsing beat and infectious chorus, the song combines elements of reggae and pop to create a unique and upbeat sound.

Lyrically, Rude Boy finds Rihanna singing about a man who catches her eye, and she wants him to make a move. The song’s confident and playful vibe is a testament to Rihanna’s charismatic personality and ability to make any beat her own.

Work Rihanna ft. Drake

Work is a groovy, energetic track that showcases Rihanna’s versatility as a vocalist featuring Drake. With a blend of reggae, dancehall, and R&B influences, the song combines different genres to create an unforgettable, catchy tune.

The lyrics explore the theme of relationships, with Rihanna singing about the difficulties of making things work and the effort required to keep a connection strong.

The upbeat rhythm and infectious chorus make Work a perfect song for dancing and having a good time, and its catchy, danceable beat has made it a staple of party playlists worldwide.

Wild Thoughts – DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller

Wild Thoughts is a sultry and seductive track by pop and R&B icon Rihanna, featuring DJ Khaled and Bryson Tiller.

The song was released in 2017 and quickly became a fan favorite, reaching the top 10 on charts in multiple countries. The song’s pulsing rhythm, driven by the famous guitar riff from Santana’s 1999 hit Maria Maria, sets the stage for Rihanna’s confident and provocative lyrics.

She sings about her electric connection with her lover and the carnal thoughts that come with it, asking the listener to let their mind go wild with her. DJ Khaled adds his signature hype to the track with his ad-libs and shoutouts, while Bryson Tiller’s smooth and soulful verses add depth to the way.

Overall, Wild Thoughts is a bold and sassy declaration of desire that showcases Rihanna’s artistry and sex appeal.

Pour It Up

Pour It Up by Rihanna is an electrifying and seductive ode to the good life. The song features a pulsating beat matched only by the singer’s confident and sultry vocal delivery.

The lyrics celebrate Rihanna’s wealth, independence, and sexual empowerment, encouraging listeners to join her in reveling in the excesses of life. The track’s chorus is an invitation to let go of one’s inhibitions and pour it up, living life to the fullest without apology.

With its powerful message and contagious energy, Pour It Up is a true anthem of self-love, confidence, and the celebration of life’s pleasures.

All of the Lights – Kanye West ft. Rihanna, Kid Cudi

All of the Lights is a pulsating, electrifying track by international pop icons Rihanna, Kanye West, and Kid Cudi. The song features an urban, hip-hop beat underscored by a steady bassline, pulsing synths, and crisp, sharp drum beats.

Rihanna’s powerful vocals soar over the instrumentals, delivering lyrics that reflect on a relationship gone wrong and the feelings of regret and longing that come with it. The song’s chorus is especially memorable, with Rihanna singing the refrain Turn up the lights here, baby.

With its catchy melody and empowering message, All of the Lights is a standout track that showcases Rihanna’s incredible talent and artistry.

Run This Town – Jay Z ft. Rihanna, Kanye West

Run This Town is a high-energy and empowering track by global music sensation Rihanna featuring Jay Z and Kanye West.

This song features fast-paced beats and is sure to get your blood pumping and have you ready to take on the world. The lyrics speak to Rihanna’s confidence and her unyielding spirit, as she declares that she is not afraid to be in control and run things her way.

With its pop, hip-hop, and R&B elements, this song showcases Rihanna’s versatility and ability to create a sound that is all her own. Whether you’re working out, dancing, or just need motivation, Run This Town is the perfect anthem to get you pumped up and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

Umbrella

Umbrella is a powerful ballad by one of the biggest pop stars of the 21st century, Rihanna. The song was a huge commercial success, topping charts worldwide and becoming one of the defining songs of the late 2000s.

The song’s lyrics deal with themes of love and protection, with the umbrella serving as a metaphor for support and shelter in the face of life’s storms. The song’s dynamic melody, combined with Rihanna’s soulful vocals, make for a memorable and impactful listening experience.

The song’s universal message of love and support has made it a timeless classic, and its popularity continues to endure more than a decade after its initial release.

Diamonds

Diamonds is a radiant, pulsing pop track that displays Rihanna’s versatility as an artist. The talented Sia Furler penned the song and produced it by the hit-making Benny Blanco.

The song’s lyrics are an ode to resilience and the power of love to endure even in the most challenging times. The song begins with a soft, piano-led intro that gradually builds into a soaring chorus, with Rihanna’s voice rising above the music to deliver the lyrics’ message of hope and perseverance.

The chorus is an uplifting and unforgettable hook that will linger long after the song ends. Diamonds is the perfect anthem for anyone looking for inspiration and encouragement to chase their dreams and follow their hearts.

Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance Highlights

One of the standout moments of Rihanna’s halftime performance was her rendition of We Found Love, complete with a dazzling light show and an infectious beat that had the entire stadium dancing. Another memorable moment was her performance of Work, where she brought out a group of dancers to perform a choreographed routine that was nothing short of spectacular.

But perhaps the most unforgettable moment of the night was Rihanna’s electrifying performance of Wild Thoughts, where she brought out an entire brass section to accompany her. Her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence brought the house down and left the audience in awe.

The 2023 Super Bowl halftime show was a night to remember, and Rihanna’s performance was a highlight of the evening. With her impressive setlist, high-energy performances, and incredible stage presence, she proved again why she’s one of the biggest stars in the world.

Conclusion to Rihanna’s Super Bowl 2023 Setlist

In conclusion, Rihanna’s Super Bowl 2023 setlist was a tour-de-force, showcasing her incredible talent and captivating the audience with her electrifying performances. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, there’s no denying that Rihanna’s 2023 super bowl halftime show performance was one of the highlights of the evening.

So there you have it – a look at Rihanna performing with her backup dancers at the Super Bowl 2023 setlist and her incredible performance. If you missed it, catch a recap or check out some of the highlights online. And for all the Rihanna fans out there, keep an eye out for her best hits of all time – you will surely enjoy the list.