Last week, Swifties on Twitter, TikTok and elsewhere were confident Taylor Swift would be announced as the 2023 Super Bowl LVII halftime performer. As rumors swirled on social media and fans continued to share their theories and guessing that Swift, 32, might have dropped clues, it became apparent that the “I Bet You Think About Me” singer would be not will headline the next show on February 12. Over the weekend, the artist of choice was revealed to be Rihanna, much to the delight of fans, but many were still wondering where the Swift/Super Bowl rumors originated and if she had ever seen herself. offer the main slot. Here’s what we know…
According to an anonymous insider source who spoke with TMZ, Swift was indeed offered the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl, but turned it down. As for why the Grammy winner said ‘no’ to the idea, she would like to focus on re-recording the rest of her albums – her self-titled album from 2006, 2010 Speak Now2014 1989 and 2017 Reputation- since she has already released “Taylor’s Versions” from her 2012 LP Red and 2008 Without fear, both revamped editions being huge hits. After talent manager Scooter Braun bought the rights to those albums in 2019, Swift accused him of being a “relentless and manipulative bully” and wrote on Tumblr at the time that the fact that he owned the rights on his work was his “worst case scenario”. Moving forward, she began creating her “own” versions of her previous work.
Three sources close to the situation tell Variety that Taylor Swift will play the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show.https://t.co/Bv8bTsi89U
— Variety (@Variety) September 23, 2022
Taylor Swift was asked to headline the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, but declined until she was done with her re-recorded albums, reports TMZ. pic.twitter.com/S1CFilCZY9
— PopBase (@PopBase) September 23, 2022
As Taylor Swift turns down offer to play 2023 #SuperBowl halftime show Rihanna announces her return! pic.twitter.com/owafdLK2Nt
— Facts About Rihanna (@Nevernyny) September 25, 2022
Quoting “three sources close to the situation”, Variety reported last week that Swift would take the stage at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona for the much-watched game. Earlier last Friday, Apple Music was announced as the new title sponsor of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, replacing Pepsi. Due to the timing of this announcement (at 12:00 p.m.), fans took it as a hint that Swift would be performing (her upcoming new album is also titled Midnights).
Since the “cardigan” musician has long been sponsored by Pepsi’s direct competitor, Coca-Cola, fans were even more convinced that she would rock the halftime show. As Swift has an ongoing deal with Coca-Cola, it would have kept her from playing in the Super Bowl in the past. According to TMZ source, Swift supposedly wants to hit the big game one day, but would only consider doing so if she had the rights to all of her songs and had them re-recorded. It could do so in 2024 at the earliest.
On Sunday, September 25, Rihanna, 34, took to Instagram to share the exciting Halftime Show news with her 136 million followers, posting a photo of herself holding an official NFL football as thousands of fans were leaving approving comments. While the Swifties may have to wait to see Swift take to the legendary stage, they still have a killer performance (which we know to be) from Rihanna to look forward to, and Swift’s tenth studio album, Midnights, released on October 21. We’re marking our calendars for two epic music events!