Thousands of Barbadians tuned in to the Super Bowl Halftime show on Sunday night to watch one of our very own do credit to her nation.
Ambassador and National Hero Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty took centre stage during intermission in the game featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Descending from the heavens dressed in all red while her supporting cast was in all white, Rihanna performed a medley of some of her most recognised songs.
Starting with B*tch Better Have My Money, the audience was also treated to the nostalgic Umbrella, Only Girl In The World, We Found Love and Rude Boy.
She closed the 12-song set with Diamonds, glittering like a priceless jewel in the Arizona night.
From early in the day, excitement started to build as people gathered at spots around Barbados to see locally born superstar Rihanna again make history.
Organisations such as the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., National Sports Council and Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association hosted various watch parties.
By 6 p.m., places like Bubba’s Sports Bar and the Wildey Gymnasium had yet to get going but at Oistins Bay Garden, the party had already started, with a large monitor showing football. Songs blared from the speakers, including Rihanna’s hits. Patrons wasted no time in hitting the dance floor.
The party was hopping at 6Mix, where one patron told Nation News she was not a fan of American Football, but was eager to see Rihanna.
American football and Rihanna fans in the open air setting at 6Mix on Super Bowl Sunday. (Picture by Reco Moore)
It was similar story at the Wildey Gymnasium. At 9 p.m., the atmosphere was hyped as the teams kept the game close. Some patrons admitted they were there mostly for the half time show as they hardly understood American Football, with saying:
“I’m here for the Rihanna concert and this football is interrupting it,” Rinice Prescod.
The United States Embassy also hosted a watch party on the grounds at Graeme Hall, Christ Church. (SAT/CA)
The American Embassy also hosted a Super Bowl watch party. (Picture by Reco Moore)