Since Rihanna’s exciting Super Bowl performance announcement, Royals have been counting down the days until February 12th, 2023. Rihanna hasn’t released any solo music since ANTI in 2016 and hasn’t performed since the 2018 Grammys, but come Super Bowl Sunday, she’ll finally be back.

Busy building an adorable family with rapper and producer A$AP Rocky, Rihanna has stepped out of the limelight to become a mom. The singer has also focused more on her role in the beauty industry with her line of Fenty Beauty cosmetics.

Senior Julianna Ortiz is ecstatic for her return, and can’t wait to watch the performance: “This is the first time I know the date of the Super Bowl. That’s how excited I am. I’ll be wearing my Unapologetic graphic tee from 2012, and stuffing my face with nachos on the big day. Only then will I know some semblance of peace,” she said.

Trista Verne ’23 shares in Julianna’s excitement and can’t wait to see the show: “I think I might be sick–I seriously can’t contain myself. The actual thought of what she’ll wear is enough to paralyze me.”

Although fans were hoping Rihanna would perform some new music at the halftime show, the singer shut down those rumors almost immediately. It looks like we won’t be receiving an upcoming album or tour after all. Sydney Rosario ’23 feels sad about this news, but is still grateful that Rihanna will be performing at all: “Look, I’m at Rihanna’s beck and call. Super Bowl? I’m watching. Album? I’m listening. Tour? I’m there. It’s really whatever she wants. I’m on her time.”

Although Rihanna isn’t giving fans any new music, she’s released a T-shirt on her Savage x Fenty website in lieu of her Super Bowl performance. The white tee says, “Rihanna concert interrupted by a football game, weird but whatever.” It’s safe to say the pop star is really making this experience her own, and everyone’s looking forward to the show.

The Royals can’t wait to watch Rihanna’s much anticipated comeback–the excitement on campus is palpable. Make sure to tune in on Sunday, February 12th to see this life-altering performance for yourself.