Rihanna's Historic Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show And Other Iconic Pregnant Performances

Super Bowl LVII was historic on multiple fronts, but the moment that arguably generated the most attention had nothing to do with the game itself. International pop star Rihanna stole the show with an explosive halftime performance in which she revealed to the world, for the first time, that she was pregnant. This captivating moment not only highlighted her incredible talent but also showcased the power of celebrity in the cultural landscape.

Rihanna's announcement resonated deeply with fans and the media alike, reminding everyone of the unique connection between artists and their audiences. Her performance has since sparked discussions about the representation of pregnant women in the entertainment industry, particularly in high-stakes events like the Super Bowl.

The halftime show is just one of many memorable performances by pregnant artists that have left a lasting impact on audiences. Below, we delve into some of the most iconic moments when musicians embraced their pregnancies on stage, including celebrated names like Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, and Gwen Stefani.

Björk

1986: Televised performance with Kukl

In 1986, Björk wore a belly-bearing shirt during a televised performance with her Icelandic post-punk band Kukl. The performance drew outrage at the time, especially because of how young Björk looked. Drummer Sigtryggur “Siggi” Baldursson reflected on the moment, recalling the shock and disgust from the audience, saying, “I was at a party at my grandmother’s when it was broadcast, and everyone was shocked and disgusted. Björk was 20 but looked about 14. People were going, ‘My God! It’s a pregnant child!’”

Gwen Stefani

2005: Fort Lauderdale concert

During the final stop of her U.S. tour in December 2005, pop star Gwen Stefani confirmed reports of her pregnancy in the middle of a performance. While encouraging the crowd to sing along with her at the Bank Atlantic Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Stefani patted her belly and said, “I want you to sing so loud that the baby hears it.” She and her husband at the time, Bush lead singer Gavin Rossdale, welcomed their first son the next May.

M.I.A.

2009: Grammy Awards

Rapper and singer M.I.A. famously performed at the 2009 Grammy Awards wearing a sheer black shirt that revealed a particularly large belly bump. The performance fell on M.I.A.’s due date, and she even experienced contractions while performing “Swagga Like Us.” Jack Sussman, who ran the Grammy show, humorously recalled asking her to hang on until after her performance, as an ambulance was on standby.

Mariah Carey

2010: Christmas special

With her mega-hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” dominating the airwaves, Mariah Carey is synonymous with Christmas. One of her most memorable performances was during the 2010 Live at Christmas In Washington, when she sang several holiday standards while wearing a red dress that prominently displayed her pregnancy with twins.

Shakira

2012: FIFA Women’s World Cup

A pregnant Shakira showcased her signature hip-shaking moves in a form-fitting black dress during the closing ceremony of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan. Despite facing calls from Amnesty International to withdraw from the performance due to human rights concerns, Shakira proceeded with her show.

Alicia Keys

2014: MTV European Music Awards

At the 2014 MTV European Music Awards, Alicia Keys earned acclaim for her performance of “We Are Here” while wearing a silver figure-hugging gown that accentuated her pregnant belly. This wasn’t her first time performing while pregnant; she had also done so at the 2010 BET Awards, marking her as a celebrated artist during significant moments in her life.

Christina Aguilera

2014: Wango Tango concert

On the day before Mother’s Day, Christina Aguilera performed her hit song “Say Something” while expecting her second child. She tweeted about her excitement for her new album and her pregnancy, sharing the joy of creating “all things blossoming new on the horizon.”

Kelly Clarkson

2015: Los Angeles concert

During her performance at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in 2015, Kelly Clarkson unexpectedly revealed her pregnancy mid-song. Overwhelmed by emotions, she confessed, “I was not planning on announcing this, but I’m totally pregnant,” much to the delight of the crowd.

Beyoncé

2017: Grammy Awards

Beyoncé made a splash at the 59th Grammy Awards, marking her first public appearance since announcing she was expecting twins. Dressed in a stunning jewel-encrusted gown, she delivered a medley from her acclaimed album Lemonade, creating one of the most iconic moments of her career.

Cardi B

2018: Saturday Night Live

After weeks of speculation, Cardi B confirmed her pregnancy during her performance on Saturday Night Live in April 2018. Wearing a white evening gown that showcased her baby bump, she made a bold statement about balancing motherhood with her burgeoning career.

These unforgettable performances not only highlight the remarkable talent of these artists but also illustrate the changing perception of pregnancy in the entertainment industry. As these artists take center stage, they inspire countless others, showing that motherhood can coexist with a vibrant career.