Jay-Z to headline Super Bowl LXI halftime in 2027
The rapper and Roc Nation co-founder will take the stage at SoFi Stadium, marking his first solo appearance in the show's 60-year history.
By Maya Almasi ·
Jay-Z will perform the halftime show at Super Bowl LXI. The announcement confirms that the rapper, also known as Shawn Carter, will step onto the stage for the first time as the primary headliner.
The NFL and Roc Nation, a company co-founded by Jay-Z, began producing the halftime show together in 2019. Under this partnership, Jay-Z holds a major role in selecting the featured artists. The 2027 selection marks the first time he has chosen himself for the slot.
The game concluding the 2026 season is scheduled for February 14, 2027. It will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. No special guests have been announced yet, though speculation has surfaced regarding potential appearances by Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Eminem.
Last year, Bad Bunny headlined the show at the same venue. He was joined by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. Gaga performed "Die With A Smile," which marked her third appearance at the event and her first as a guest. Previous headliners in recent years include Kendrick Lamar in 2025, Alicia Keys in 2024, and Rihanna in 2023.
The halftime show has evolved dramatically since its inception. Early editions featured college marching bands, tribute themes, and novelty acts. The 1988 show included 88 grand pianos and the Rockettes. The 1989 event at the Orange Bowl was titled "Be Bop Bamboozled."
The format shifted permanently in 1993 when Michael Jackson performed at the Rose Bowl. That show is widely credited with establishing the current standard for the event. Since then, the lineup has featured major pop and rock acts such as Prince, The Rolling Stones, and Paul McCartney. The 2004 show featured Janet Jackson, Kid Rock, P. Diddy, Nelly, and Justin Timberlake.
The complete list of performers stretches back to 1967, when the University of Arizona and Grambling State marching bands performed. The 2026 show will be the 61st in the series. Jay-Z’s announcement places him alongside a roster that includes The Weeknd, Shakira, and Justin Timberlake.
Source: CBS Sports
