Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Backup dancer says she had no idea Rihanna was pregnant during Super Bowl rehearsals

‘[Rihanna] came into rehearsals with big fur coats, or Fenty sets all the time,’ dancer says

Peony Hirwani
Wednesday 15 February 2023 05:15 GMT
Comments
Pregnant Rihanna performs stunning Super Bowl half time show

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Backup dancer Luhnyae Campbell says she didn’t know Rihanna was pregnant even after spending a week with the singer during Super Bowl rehearsals.

“[Rihanna] came into rehearsals with big fur coats, or Fenty sets all the time – like the big sweatshirt ones,” the student at Arizona State University revealed in a TikTok video. “I was surprised, too.”

The dancer said that Rihanna’s principal dancers, who show up for “every tour, every event”, probably had an idea the Fenty Beauty founder was pregnant.

However, the halftime show was Campbell’s “first big gig” ever and there were too many dancers to meet the star one-on-one.

Campbell’s video has been viewed over 5m times on TikTok.

After her 2023 Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday (12 February), Rihanna confirmed that she was pregnant with her second child.

The “Diamonds” singer sparked speculation that she is pregnant again when she took to the stage at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

For the occasion, Rihanna opted for a bright red jumpsuit, which was unzipped to show off a red bodysuit underneath. In addition to displaying what many suggested was a pregnancy bump, the singer was seen rubbing her stomach during the performance.

Rihanna’s principal dancers, who show up for “every tour, every event”, probably had an idea the Fenty Beauty founder was pregnant
Rihanna’s principal dancers, who show up for “every tour, every event”, probably had an idea the Fenty Beauty founder was pregnant (AP)

Following the halftime show, a representative for Rihanna confirmed the pregnancy speculation in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

The singer’s pregnancy news comes after she and boyfriend A$AP Rocky welcomed their first child, a son, in May 2022. The couple has not yet revealed the name of their son, with Rihanna previously blaming their busy schedules.

Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up
Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up

Prior to the pregnancy confirmation, television host Nate Burleson seemingly confirmed the news on Twitter, when he responded to a fan’s suggestion that the baby was Rihanna’s “surprise guest”.

Burleson spoke to Rihanna during the first episode of his podcast The Process with Nate Burleson earlier this week, during which she revealed that there would be a surprise guest during her performance.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in