JAY-Z has reportedly picked himself to headline the Super Bowl LXI halftime show Feb. 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, according to Puck News.
Multiple sources told Puck that JAY-Z was the choice after they also considered Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber for the slot. The NFL, Roc Nation, and JAY-Z have not confirmed or addressed the report publicly.
The twist is structural. Since 2019, Roc Nation, the company JAY-Z founded, has partnered with the NFL on its live entertainment strategy, including advising on the selection of artists for major performances such as the Super Bowl halftime show.
The partnership was extended in 2024. During that run, Roc Nation has helped produce halftime shows featuring The Weeknd, Dr. Dre and other West Coast artists, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, and Bad Bunny. Now the man with substantial influence over the selection process reportedly would take the stage himself.
It would also close a circle.
In 2017, JAY-Z was reported to have turned down the Super Bowl LII halftime show, although the NFL did not confirm that an offer had been made. That September, he dedicated “The Story of O.J.” to Colin Kaepernick during a concert at the Meadows Music and Arts Festival in New York. Weeks later, he wore a “Colin K” No. 7 jersey while performing on “Saturday Night Live.” Kaepernick remained unsigned after protesting racial injustice and police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem.
Two years later, JAY-Z’s partnership with the NFL drew criticism from people who believed the deal conflicted with his earlier support for Kaepernick.
No guests have been reported for the 2027 halftime show. Speculation inevitably begins with Beyoncé, who headlined the show in 2013 and returned during Coldplay’s 2016 halftime performance with Bruno Mars. An appearance in 2027 would mark her third time performing during a Super Bowl halftime show.
Beyond Beyoncé, guest talk remains speculation. No additional performers have been confirmed.
JAY-Z, who has won 25 Grammy Awards, has never headlined a Super Bowl halftime show. His last solo studio album, “4:44,” was released in 2017.
He is scheduled to perform at SoFi Stadium on Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24. Some reports have suggested a Super Bowl announcement could come around those performances, but no announcement has been scheduled publicly.
