Stephen A. Smith says Rihanna “ain’t Beyoncè,” while discussing Rih’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance [VIDEO]

Stephen A. Smith says Rihanna “ain’t Beyoncé”

On February 12, Rihanna will be performing at the Super Bowl, in Phoenix. This announcement was initially confirmed back in September. At the time, Rih posted a photo of herself holding an NFL football. That came after much speculation about her possibly performing.

Last week, Rihanna and Apple Music also released a teaser trailer, in preparation for this Super Bowl halftime show. This has also been airing on television.

However, one critic who isn’t too excited for Rihanna’s performance, is ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. The “First Take” host appeared on “The Sherri Show” on Wednesday, and explained that he likes Rihanna, but she “ain’t Beyoncé.”

“Rihanna’s music is fantastic. She’s great. She’s a sister. I love her dearly, I listen to her music, I’m gonna support her ’til the cows come home. I’m just telling you, for me, there’s Beyoncé and there’s everybody else. Just like there’s Michael Jackson and there’s everybody else. Ladies and gentlemen, [Rihanna is] a lot of things. She’s spectacular actually and congratulations on new mamahood. There’s one thing she’s not — she ain’t Beyoncé.”

Rihanna fans on social media have since been cooking Stephen A., due to this controversial comment. Many agree that Rih is a legend as well, and will put on one of the best Super Bowl halftime shows of all-time.

Check out Stephen A. Smith speaking on Rihanna’s upcoming Super Bowl performance, below.

Stephen A. Smith says Rihanna “ain’t Beyoncé”