Having sign language interpreters take part at music festivals and concerts has started to become a significant trend in the U . S . and worldwide. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for performers which range from Eminem to the Red Hot Chili Peppers are increasingly typical at musical gatherings in the United States. I
In the case of the halftime performance at Super Bowl LVII, ASL interpreter Justina Miles offered D/HoH audience members a lot more than their money’s worth. She presented outstanding and thrilling sign language renditions of Rihanna’s music.
The 20-year-old Deaf ASL performer put on a display that equaled or simply surpassed Rihanna’s efforts, as she energetically and accurately interpreted all 12 songs in Rihanna’s set. CBS News went in as much as to mention Justina “stole the show at Super Bowl LVII.” She danced and articulated each compelling word in “B-- Better Have My Money,” and evoked the tone and spirit of the songs solely through the power of American Sign Language.
Besides providing a highly praised ASL version of Rihanna’s halftime set, Justina furthermore interpreted “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” sung just before kickoff by US actor and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph.” This moving song, composed in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson, is also known as the Black national anthem, and served as the rallying cry for the US Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and ’60s.
Justina Miles’ performance at the 2023 Super Bowl tremendously increased the awareness of ASL at huge public events. They even enhanced awareness in regards to the importance of having sign language interpreters operate in public settings and featuring the D/HoH community in the media.
In a press conference held a week before the game, Justina discussed the presentation as a very important moment: “Not only for me to share this experience with the whole world, 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.”
As demonstrated by the thrilling work of Justina Miles in the 2023 Super Bowl, sign language interpreters at musical events do much more than interpret the songs’ lyrics. They also use their bodies to communicate the songs’ pulse, musicality and feeling to Deaf and Hard-of-hearing audience members. In this manner, they execute a valuable service to the whole world by making the concert-going experience more accessible and enjoyable for many music enthusiasts. Additionally, sign language interpreters help promote greater inclusivity for the D/HoH members of society, thus enhancing their lives along with the quality of global lifestyle.
Thereby, American Sign Language interpreters plus the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing population are worthy of greater visibility in the mainstream media and broader inclusion within the entertainment industry.