ESPN’s Stephen Smith apologized after his interview on the Sherri Show with Sherri Shepherd where he said, “although Rihanna is great,” he didn’t think she could match Beyoncé’s 2016 Super Bowl show.
Stephen A. Smith apologized to Rihanna after the backlash of comparing her to Beyoncé as Riri gears up to perform at this year’s Super Bowl.
Stephen’s Compares Rihanna To Beyoncé
“I want Rihanna to know,” Smith apologized. “You’re a superstar, you’re sensational, you’re spectacular, you’re no joke and you’re a worthy person to be doing the super bowl halftime show.”
The First Take co-host all adds that while he appreciates the work that the “Lift Me Up” artist has put in her career, he doesn’t think she can put on a halftime performance that would match Beyonce’s 2016 spectacle.
“There’s one thing she’s not, she ain’t Beyonce,” Smith said.
One fan who reacted to Smith’s comments said it was “corny” for him to use Beyoncé to discredit the Bajan Songstress.
“Stephen A. Smith using Beyonce’s name to shade Rihanna was corny and unnecessary,” the fan posted.
A$AP Gushes Over Rihanna’s Upcoming Performance
On the other hand, A$AP Rocky sat for an interview with Apple Music and shared that he was “excited” about his girlfriend’s Super Bowl performance.
“Oh, man,” he said. “I’m just as excited as you guys, if not more. Yeah, I’m super excited. This is huge. This is incredible. I’m so glad that my lady is back to making music again and what not, getting back out there. It’s just incredible.”
The Praise The Lord” rapper continued, “Especially for both of us, it is a good year for both of us to be more active and be out there,” he continued. “But the Super Bowl is huge, and her being the creative she is she is going to bring it, man. I’m more excited than everybody else, honestly.”
How The Super Bowl Halftime Show Began
Halftime performances are possible because of the oldest Wayans. SOHH took a look back at how Keenan Wayans, the oldest of the Wayans brothers, shifted how the Superbowl held halftime performances as fans know it today.