In brief
The NFL has confirmed Jay‑Z as the main act for the 2026 Super Bowl LVIII halftime show, set for 14 February near Los Angeles. Roc Nation, which has produced the event since 2019, has selected Jay‑Z as the headliner, though he has never performed there before. Goodell highlighted his dream of seeing Jay‑Z take the stage, and the rapper, celebrating 30 years since his debut album, said the occasion is a "dream come true". The announcement follows Jay‑Z’s recent LA shows that celebrated the 30th anniversary of "Reasonable Doubt."
Jay‑Z to headline the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show
Rapper Jay‑Z will perform at the Super Bowl halftime show in February, the NFL announced today.
Jay‑Z’s label Roc Nation has overseen the production of the show since 2019, earning him a key role in selecting performers but he has never taken the stage at the championship game.
'Anticipation as to who Jay‑Z might have guest star at halftime for the big game will now kick off,' the NFL said. 'Of course, his wife, Beyoncé, will be atop the list.'
Next year’s Super Bowl LXI will take place on 14 February near Los Angeles.
The hip‑hop star will follow in the footsteps of recent performers including Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Usher, Rihanna and The Weeknd.
The musical performance draws global attention while the sport is watched by tens of millions of people in the US.
Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 performance was the most watched Super Bowl halftime show in history and won an Emmy for outstanding music direction.
The announcement came after Jay‑Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, performed two shows last weekend at the Los Angeles stadium where the Super Bowl will be played.
The LA shows were part of a tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his debut album Reasonable Doubt.
'From "Reasonable Doubt" to standing on the Super Bowl halftime stage, this has been a journey,' said Jay‑Z.
'Thirty years of music, work, and culture on the world's biggest stage. This run continues to be a dream come true.'
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he "couldn't be more excited for fans around the world to experience the artistry, creativity and cultural impact he will bring".
'When we first reached an agreement with Roc Nation to produce the show, I had just one request: that Jay‑Z take the stage himself one day, whenever the moment felt right to him,' Goodell said.
Jay‑Z’s accolades include being the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, 25 Grammy awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
