Rihanna‘s 2023 Super Bowl performance is something to remember, mostly because of her pregnancy announcement. But out of all the memes, dances, and songs that happened night, music fans gave a huge round of applause to ASL interpreter, Justina Miles for her performance that the halftime show.
Miles is the first deaf woman to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show and she made sure that everyone had a good time. She was seen jamming to Rihanna’s music performance, while simultaneously signing alongside her. Alongside the lyrics, she was seen moving her body to the rhythm.
Miles’ performance was so impressive that it went viral overnight, with news outlets describing her work as “fierce.” At the end of the day, she’s receiving praise for not only making history in the Super Bowl but also managing to capture the audience’s attention through her energetic personality.
According to her profile in the National Association of the Deaf, Miles has done multiple ASL performances in various shows. Not only that, but she also received a silver medal at the 2021/22 Deaflympics in Brazil. When she’s not performing on stage, she’s a nursing student and a cheerleader at Bowie State University.
Miles did not just perform for Rihanna that day at the Super Bowl. She also interpreted during the pre-show, making her debut during Sheryl Lee Ralph’s performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Rihanna and Mile’s Super Bowl performance just showcased how beautiful sign language is and how there is always room for inclusion and representation. Hopefully, future shows would continue adding interpreters in live performances and what happened last night isn’t a one-time thing.