As reported, the group Maroon 5 will headline the 2019 Super Bowl Halftime Show, seems they weren’t the NFL’s first choice. It was Rihanna.

According to US Magazine, “The NFL and CBS really wanted Rihanna to be next year’s performer in Atlanta, They offered it to her, but she said no because of the kneeling controversy. She doesn’t agree with the NFL’s stance.” Seems that after Ri-Ri, 30, rebuffed the halftime offer, the NFL extended it to Maroon 5.

Now it all makes sense.

We aren’t implying that Maroon 5 shouldn’t perform, the announcement of their Superbowl halftime appearance did receive mixed reviews by music and football fans. Rihanna taking a stand against the NFL’s policy and is set to drop new music soon has everyone excited about her upcoming projects and plans in 2019.

READ MORE about Rihanna’s decision against the NFL; CLICK HERE.