- The Super Bowl LXI halftime performer is still unannounced, despite rumors swirling about potential headliners.
- Jay-Z, who selects the halftime show performer through his Roc Nation deal with the NFL and Apple Music, has reportedly chosen himself as next year’s headliner.
- Though the performer hasn’t been revealed yet, the legendary rapper could announce his involvement during his sold-out SoFi Stadium shows in late October.
Super Bowl LXI is taking place at L.A.’s SoFi Stadium next Valentine’s Day, but we’re still waiting to see which artist will transform the field into the halftime show stage. While Bad Bunny’s history-making performance is still top of mind, a few rumors are swirling about next year’s headliner. In a (sort of) expected twist, the latest report points to the man who’s responsible for choosing the halftime show headliner: Jay-Z.
According to a report from Puck News, several sources claim that Jay actually chose himself as the next halftime show performer. Insiders told the outlet that the pick was “inevitable” and “more compelling” than the previously rumored frontrunners, Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus.
The legendary rapper and his company Roc Nation inked a deal with Apple Music and the NFL in 2019. He was initially brought on as the show’s “live music entertainment strategist” and also works on social-justice reform initiatives in the league and beyond.
Ahead of Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime performance, producer Jesse Collins confirmed to Variety that Jay makes the final call on who takes the stage.
“It’s a decision that Jay makes,” he said at the time. “Since we’ve been on board with that show, he’s made it every year, and it’s been amazing. He’s always picked right.”
Jay as next year’s headliner isn’t entirely far-fetched, since Roc Nation signed on to extend the partnership for five more years in 2024. 2027 also marks the 30th anniversary of his debut album Reasonable Doubt and the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint, so…playing one of the most iconic stages doesn’t sound like a bad celebration.
While the halftime show performer hasn’t been officially revealed, the “Empire State of Mind” hitmaker could potentially announce his involvement during one of his sold-out shows at SoFi Stadium—where Super Bowl LXI is taking place next February—on October 23 and 24.
We’ll have to wait and see whether the rumors hold any truth, but in the meantime, I’m already sat for potential Beyoncé and Blue Ivy cameos.