Halftime performer Rihanna was the big draw for many who tuned into the Superbowl last night, but American Sign Language performer Justina Miles may have stolen the show.
Miles’ performance went viral on TikTok, with a video of her interpreting “B—h Better Have My Money,” that’s already at more than 11 million views.
While interpreting Rihanna’s halftime performance, she matched her energy by signing the lyrics on beat with the songstress.
Miles also interpreted Sheryl Lee Ralph’s rendition of the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice.” This marked the first time the Black national anthem was sung within the Super Bowl stadium, making it a very special moment for Miles.
“(It’s) not only for me to share this experience with the whole world,” Miles told CNBC, “but 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.”
In a night of firsts, Justina Miles was also the first female deaf performer for the Super Bowl’s halftime show.
“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.
Miles is a 20-year-old nursing student at Bowie State University and previously went viral in 2020 for her participation in the “Crush On You” challenge, where she interpreted the song of the same title by rapper Lil’ Kim.
She also went to the Deaflympics in Brazil in 2022 and won a silver medal as part of the 4×100 women’s track relay team.
