Jay-Z to Headline Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show in February

Jay-Z will perform at the Super Bowl LXI halftime show next year. This marks the first time the rap icon has served as the headliner for the game's central performance segment.

The announcement came via a clip from the track 'Public Service Announcement.' Jay-Z revealed the news through this snippet rather than a traditional press release. The performance is scheduled for February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Roc Nation, the company Jay-Z co-founded, has partnered with the NFL since 2019 to produce the halftime show. The rapper holds a major influence in selecting the act. This year, he chose himself from the list of potential candidates.

Jay-Z has not yet named any special guests to join him on stage. Early speculation has focused on several high-profile artists. These possibilities include Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Eminem.

The halftime show has featured a wide range of artists over its 60-year history. Last year, Bad Bunny headlined the event. Lady Gaga joined him on stage to perform 'Die With A Smile.' It was her third appearance at the Super Bowl and her first as a guest.

Historically, the show leaned on college marching bands and themed tributes before Michael Jackson's 1993 performance at the Rose Bowl. Early productions included salutes to Hollywood, Motown, and Duke Ellington. Carol Channing performed twice, and Up With People appeared four times in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Since 1993, the lineup has included major acts such as Diana Ross, U2, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, The Weeknd, and Kendrick Lamar. Recent years have featured group showcases. The 2022 show included Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige. The 2024 show featured Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., will.i.am, Lil Jon, and Ludacris.