Two of the biggest (and most Stanned) pop stars in the world share a lot of things: talent, mass impact, but also respect for one another. Before her Super Bowl halftime show, Rihanna said that Beyoncé inspired her and prepared her for the gig. Moreover, she gave the RENAISSANCE star such praise during a conversation with Nate Burleson on NFL and iHeart Radio’s The Process. While the star singer has plenty of performance experience, her first show on the football field is a massive task. However, she did her homework on one of the most grandiose and show-stopping performers the Super Bowl’s ever seen.
“I watched Beyoncé’s halftime performances a couple of times,” the “We Found Love” star expressed. “She is a beast and a whole other level. Just to be inspired, really.” Furthermore, Queen Bee appeared at two big football games over the past decade. Firstly, she performed a headlining solo show in 2013, and joined Bruno Mars and Coldplay in 2016. Overall, she showed herself to be an incredible performer, which people can’t wait to see on her upcoming tour. Still, with ticket prices and availability being a huge hassle, it’ll be tough to witness the “Drunk in Love” icon.
Rihanna really pulled a Beyoncé announcing her pregnancy like: pic.twitter.com/TflEORw4u2
— ᴄᴀʀʟᴏ́s
︎︎ (@Carl0s222) February 13, 2023
However, Stephen A. Smith of all people compared these two stars ahead of RiRi’s performance. “I don’t want to say I’m not excited,” he said when asked whether he’s hype for her show. “She’s fantastic. That’s not where I’m going with this. Ladies and gentlemen, she’s a lot of things. She’s spectacular, actually. And congratulations on new mamahood. There’s one thing she’s not: she ain’t Beyoncé… Rihanna’s music is fantastic. She’s great, she’s a sister. I love her dearly, I listen to her music. I’m gonna support her ’til the cows come home! I’m just telling you, for me, there’s Beyoncé, there’s everybody else.”
While a lot of people took issue with his comments, he did clarify that it’s just a personal taste thing. However, he didn’t do so without calling out harsh critics quick to jump down his throat. “I think Rihanna’s fantastic. Now, you agree, fine. You disagree? Fine. How we get to the point, ‘Why he gotta pit two Black women…’ Really?! I just can’t be a fan of both? But I prefer Beyoncé over Rihanna. That’s a crime! I didn’t know that.” Regardless of what your take is, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest on these two superstars.