Identity and role of the ASL interpreter at Super Bowl
During Rihanna’s groundbreaking Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show in 2023, a certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter was present to provide real-time linguistic access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers. Unlike spoken-language interpreters, the role of an ASL interpreter in a high-profile televised performance is to visually convey lyrics, rhythm, and emotional nuance while adhering to principles of linguistic accuracy, visual clarity, and professional conduct. This article explains who the interpreter was, what the assignment involved, and how such placements fit into broader Deaf-access practices for major televised events.
Interpreter credentialing and assignment context
Professional ASL interpreters working major televised events typically hold national certifications (NIC) and state licensure, plus specialized experience in performance or multi-camera broadcast environments. Production teams for high-profile ceremonies coordinate with Deaf-led accessibility agencies to select interpreters who can manage live direction, camera visibility, and strict timing constraints. Assignments of this nature are contractual, governed by professional codes of ethics, and scheduled well in advance to ensure qualified coverage and adequate rehearsal with production and artists’ teams.
What interpreters do in a televised halftime show
In a stadium and national TV context, the ASL interpreter works from a designated location with sightlines to both the stage and broadcast cameras. Key responsibilities include:
- Simultaneous interpretation of spoken elements into grammatically accurate ASL.
- Adapting spatial grammar and facial grammar to convey tone and emphasis.
- Coordinating with directors on camera framing and timing for cuts.
- Following a carefully prepared script or run-of-show to match music and cues.
The interpreter does not alter lyrics or add commentary; the goal is access that preserves the artistic integrity of the performance while ensuring Deaf audience members receive information with parity in timing and detail.
Notable details and timeline
Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show was a meticulously rehearsed performance staged in front of a hybrid crowd and broadcast to millions. Planning for accessibility, including ASL interpretation, would have begun months prior through the collaboration of the NFL, venue management, broadcast network, and the production company responsible for the show. The interpreter present was part of this broader logistics and safety framework, ensuring that accessibility was integrated rather than added last-minute.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Event | Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show, February 12, 2023 | Published broadcast schedule and official show materials |
| Accessibility offering | Live ASL interpreter provided on broadcast and stadium screens | Network accessibility disclosures and news coverage |
| Interpreter status | Certified Deaf interpreter team and ASL interpreter on camera | Broadcast accessibility practices and organizer statements |
| Contractor involvement | Accessibility services coordinated through certified vendor partners | Event production accessibility protocols |
Performance accessibility best practices
Major televised events increasingly embed accessibility from initial planning. Best practices include early selection of interpreters, screen-position testing, lighting that supports visibility, and buffer time in the run-of-show for transitions. Organizers also conduct dress rehearsals with interpreters to check sightlines and timing. For music performances, interpreters may receive structured overviews of set lists and key visual moments, though they do not script or translate in real time beyond their professional interpretation.
Public communication and viewer guidance
Broadcasters and event organizers typically communicate accessibility features through on-screen signage, program guides, and post-event notes that confirm interpretation availability. Viewers who need additional access services, such as captioning or audio description, are directed to network or venue-provided options. Clear, accurate information about the presence and limits of ASL interpretation helps audiences set appropriate expectations and supports informed viewing choices.
Clarifying scope and common questions
It’s important to distinguish between the interpreter’s visible role on stage or in the broadcast window and the broader production work behind the scenes. The interpreter conveys language in real time and does not influence musical arrangement, staging, or artist decisions. Coverage of the Super Bowl Halftime Show confirmed the presence of a qualified ASL interpreter, consistent with industry standards for major televised events that aim to serve Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. No evidence suggests deviations from professional interpreting ethics or timing discrepancies that would affect access.