The headliner for the 2018 Super Bowl halftime show has already been announced, but according to a new report from US Weekly, fans were very close to seeing Rihanna hit the stage. Although the singer was reportedly offered the gig, Riri turned it down in support of former NFL star and activist Colin Kaepernick.
According to US Weekly, the NFL was really gunning to book Rihanna for football’s biggest day. Rihanna reportedly declined the offer due to Kaepernick’s unfair treatment by the NFL, which stemmed from his 2016 protest of social injustice during the national anthem. Kaepernick has been blacklisted from the NFL and widely criticized by conservative Americans and Donald Trump. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback is currently suing the NFL for colluding to prevent his employment in the league.
This wouldn’t be the first artist to refuse playing at the Super Bowl. Last year, JAY-Z also declined to perform alongside Justin Timberlake in support of Kaepernick.
Rihanna isn’t losing though. Rih’s Fenty Beauty is on track to outsell Kylie Jenner’s billion-dollar beauty brand, WWD reports. Additionally, the singer is said to be working on a reggae album.
As previously reported, Maroon 5 has been selected to perform at the Super Bowl LIII on Feb. 3, in Atlanta. Cardi B is also negotiating a solo performance, according to various reports.
READ MORE: Report: JAY-Z Allegedly Turns Down Super Bowl Halftime