
Obviously, Rihanna was the star of her own Super Bowl Halftime Show, but her American Sign Language Interpreter proved herself more than worthy of sharing the limelight with the global superstar.
ASL performer Justina Miles interpreted RiRi's lyrics during the 13-minute concert, and her amazing dance moves and high-energy attitude stole viewers' hearts.
"Loving the spark and energy of Justina Miles, the ASL performer for the #SuperBowl. Just fantastic! #FentyBowl," tweeted comms executive Johanna Fuentes.
Loving the spark and energy of Justina Miles, the ASL performer for the #SuperBowl. Just fantastic! 🤟🏾 #FentyBowl pic.twitter.com/hBWoMoIscQFebruary 13, 2023
"ASL interpreter Justina Miles was indisputably the high point of the super bowl," tweeted someone else.
As well as just being super enjoyable, Miles' performance will inscribe itself in history, since she was the first Deaf interpreter ever to perform the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
"Justina Miles phenomenally absorbed all of the Rihanna energy," wrote one Twitter user.
"She is the first Deaf woman to provide ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation in Super Bowl halftime history.
"Rihanna and Justina Miles… what a team! Brava, beautiful!"
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said, "Amazing! American Sign Language Interpreter #JustinaMiles was the 1st Black deaf woman to perform at the Super Bowl LVII pre-game and halftime shows! I love to see all of this inclusion and representation. Congratulations, to this #HistoryMaker!"
Amazing! American Sign Language Interpreter #JustinaMiles was the 1st Black deaf woman to perform at the Super Bowl LVII pre-game and halftime shows! I love to see all of this inclusion and representation. Congratulations, to this #HistoryMaker! 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/FMitTjnsLXFebruary 13, 2023
Miles, 20, also interpreted Sheryl Lee Ralph's rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," according to CNN.
The National Association of the Deaf reports that Miles, who hails from Philadelphia, is a nursing student and cheerleader at the HBCU Bowie State University, and that she has performed ASL interpretations for a slew of concerts in the past. Prepare to see much more of her moving forward!
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
The Best Beauty Products in the World: Marie Claire's Prix Awards 2023
The elite in skincare, cosmetics, and haircare, according to our global beauty editors.
By Deena Campbell
-
Greasy, Weighed-Down Hair? Try Conditioning Before You Shampoo
Everything you know about washing your hair, flipped (literally).
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Meghan Markle's Go-To Jean Jacket Is On Sale at Madewell
Madewell's coveted biannual sale means 25% off everything—and we mean *everything*.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Rihanna on Why She Did the Super Bowl Halftime Show After Refusing to Do It in 2018
She still feels the NFL has progress to make.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Adele Really Did Not Care About the Football at the Super Bowl
This is so relatable, I'm dying.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Zendaya Responded to Fans Wanting Rihanna to Bring Her and Tom Holland Out on the Super Bowl Stage
Is it too late to make this happen..?
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
ICYMI, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez Starred in a Dunkin' Ad Together at the Super Bowl
Classic them.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Rihanna Is Getting Paid So Much Less Than You Think for the Super Bowl
I guess they don't have her money.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Rihanna Has Been "So Focused" on Her Super Bowl Performance That She Forgot About Her Birthday and Valentine's Day
I mean, it's the SUPER BOWL, who wouldn't.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Amy Schumer and Seth Rogen Tease Their Super Bowl Commercial
This has all the ingredients to be truly AMAZING.
By Sarah Lindig