Jay-Z to perform at Super Bowl halftime show for first time in 2027
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jay-Z has been announced as the Super Bowl LXI halftime show headliner, marking his first performance on the iconic stage after a busy year that included completing his 'Jay-Z 30' concert series and premiering his HBO documentary series.
Through his entertainment company Roc Nation, Jay-Z has also helped shape the NFL's halftime shows for several years. In 2019, Roc Nation became the league's live music entertainment strategist as part of a partnership that has kept the rapper involved in the Super Bowl's music programming.
Jay-Z to headline Super Bowl LXI halftime show after years of NFL partnership
Apple Music, the National Football League (NFL) and Jay-Z's Roc Nation announced on Monday, October 26, that the rapper will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show. The event will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on February 14, 2027.
The announcement was made at the start of halftime during Monday Night Football's matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. The game aired on ESPN, ABC and Disney+, with mobile streaming available through NFL+.
Fans had speculated that Jay-Z could be a strong contender following a busy year. He concluded his 'Jay-Z 30' concert series with two Los Angeles shows on October 23 and 24. The performances followed three major hometown shows in New York in July, a two-night stint in London on September 4 and 5, and a Paris performance on September 10.
He also debuted his 'Jay-Z in 8' HBO documentary series at a star-studded premiere in New York. Although this will be Jay-Z's first time performing as a Super Bowl halftime headliner, he has been involved with the show for years.
In 2019, Roc Nation was named the NFL's live music entertainment strategist as part of the league's Inspire Change Initiative, which focuses on social justice efforts. The initiative followed the NFL's controversial treatment of former player Colin Kaepernick, who knelt during the national anthem in the 2016 season to protest police brutality.
Jay-Z had famously turned down the opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2017. He later explained that the decision was based on “principle” after the NFL requested that he bring out Kanye West and Rihanna, Lady Gaga performed that year.
Beyonce performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2013 and 2016
Jay-Z's wife, Beyonce, has performed at the Super Bowl halftime show twice. On February 3, 2013, she took the stage at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, bringing out fellow Destiny's Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.
Beyonce opened the 12-minute performance with an a cappella version of her hit 'Love on Top'. The show attracted 110.8 million viewers, making it the second-most-watched Super Bowl in history at the time.
On February 7, 2016, Beyonce returned to the Super Bowl stage at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. She joined Bruno Mars and Coldplay, who headlined the halftime show, and performed her hit 'Formation'.
The performance became a notable moment after some politicians and fans described it as a statement of Black pride.
Jay-Z's upcoming performance will mark a new milestone for the rapper, who has played a significant role in shaping the Super Bowl halftime show while building his own musical legacy.
