Jay-Z to Take Stage at Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show
The hip-hop artist will headline the February 14 game near Los Angeles, a milestone he says fulfills a long-standing goal.
By Aiko Lombardi ·
Rapper Jay-Z will perform at the Super Bowl halftime show on 14 February near Los Angeles, the NFL announced on 27 October. The artist, whose real name is Shawn Carter, confirmed the milestone in a statement linking it to the 30th anniversary of his debut album Reasonable Doubt.
Jay-Z’s company Roc Nation has produced the halftime show since 2019, giving him a key role in selecting performers for previous events. This year marks his first time performing at the NFL championship game. The league did not specify whether he would be the sole headliner or if guest stars would appear.
"From 'Reasonable Doubt' to standing on the Super Bowl halftime stage, this has been a journey," Jay-Z said. He described the upcoming performance as a dream come true after thirty years of music, work, and culture.
The announcement followed two shows Jay-Z played last weekend at the Los Angeles stadium where Super Bowl LXI will take place. Those concerts were part of a tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of his first album. The NFL said anticipation for guest stars will now begin, noting that his wife Beyoncé would be atop the list of potential attendees.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expressed excitement for fans to experience Jay-Z’s artistry and cultural impact. Goodell recalled asking Jay-Z to take the stage himself one day when the moment felt right, a request that is now fulfilled for the 2026 season.
Source: BBC News
