Chances are you’re still replaying Rihanna’s incredible Super Bowl 57 halftime show in your head even after getting a full night of rest.
This is completely understandable. RiRi’s first performance since 2018 absolutely lived up to the hype and then some — not the least of all because she took the stage while pregnant.
But arguably no one had more fun during the show than Justina Miles, a 20-year-old deaf American Sign Language performer from Philadelphia who got to sign Rihanna’s performance as well as the Black national anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” alongside Sheryl Lee Ralph.
The ASL interpreter was 🔥 #RihannaSuperBowl #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/0HmAZJ6e9T
— joysewing (@joysewing) February 13, 2023
Enjoying watching the woman doing the sign language for Rihanna at the #SuperBowl half time show having the time of her life. Her name is Justina Miles 🙌🏻pic.twitter.com/pO32nMECFv
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) February 13, 2023
That right there is pure and infectious joy.
Speaking to the media before her Super Bowl debut, Miles said she was thrilled not only to perform alongside Rihanna, but also Abbott Elementary star Ralph during the pregame show while providing a moment of visibility for the Black deaf community.
“To really bring that empowerment to millions and millions of Black deaf people all over the country who’ve never really seen that before. I feel that is truly lifting every voice, even my voice.” Miles said via an interpreter.
As for the halftime show, Miles just wanted to make sure those following along in ASL had as much fun as she did.
“I value the opportunity to make it possible for all deaf people to enjoy these songs, and not have them miss out on the full Super Bowl experience,” Miles said.
As clips of Miles from Sunday continue to go viral, it’s obvious she did just that.