NFL confirms Jay-Z as Super Bowl LXI halftime headliner for 14 February 2027

The NFL's booking

The NFL confirmed on Monday, 26 October, that Jay-Z will headline the halftime show at Super Bowl LXI. ESPN made the announcement during the halftime of the Monday night game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, using a 15-second teaser video. The rapper, born Shawn Carter and now 56, will perform at the 14 February game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Earlier reporting from Puck and Deadline had already named him as the choice.

Roc Nation's role

Roc Nation has produced the halftime show since 2019 and works as the NFL's live music entertainment strategist, a role that includes choosing each year's performer. El País reports that the agreement was renewed in 2024 and runs until 2029, and that the deal is worth about five million dollars a year. The New York Times describes Jay-Z as a billionaire rapper and producer with 25 Grammy awards. In 2024 he told Entertainment Tonight that picking himself too early would have been selfish, and he said it might happen one year.

Statements on the booking

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league had wanted Jay-Z to perform for years, recalling the one request he made when the partnership with Roc Nation was first agreed.

“I couldn't be more excited for fans around the world to experience the artistry, creativity and cultural impact he will bring to the Super Bowl stage.”

Jay-Z's own statement focused on three decades in entertainment and called the booking a dream come true.

“From Reasonable Doubt to standing on the Super Bowl halftime stage, this has been a journey.”

The NFL's statement said his wife, Beyoncé, would be at the top of the list of possible guests, but the announcement did not say whether he would be the only headliner.

Viewing benchmark

Bad Bunny performed at the 2026 Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and drew 128.2 million viewers, according to the New York Times. That is below the record 133.5 million that Kendrick Lamar drew for the 2025 game. Pitchfork reported that Bad Bunny's show drew criticism from the far right, including President Trump, alongside support from much of the music world. The New York Times also lists Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna and Usher among performers in Roc Nation-produced halftime shows.

2025 Super Bowl, Kendrick Lamar133.5

2026 Super Bowl, Bad Bunny128.2

2025 Super Bowl, Kendrick Lamar

133.5 million viewers

2026 Super Bowl, Bad Bunny

128.2 million viewers

Data from the article text

Broadcast and what comes next

Super Bowl LXI will be the first game produced by ESPN, and ABC will air it for the first time since 2006. Disney+ will also carry the game, according to the New York Times. Roc Nation executive produces the halftime show, and the NFL's senior vice president and global head of major events, Jon Barker, has said the search for a performer begins right after the previous game. Barker told The Athletic in 2025 that the league wants the "right artist for that moment". The show itself is set for 14 February 2027, and the guest lineup has not been announced.