Jay-Z will headline Super Bowl halftime show in 2027

Explainer

Jay-Z will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced the news on Monday. The 56-year-old rapper has helped produce the show for years through his company, Roc Nation. He will now take the stage himself for the first time.

"From Reasonable Doubt to standing on the Super Bowl halftime stage, this has been a journey," Jay-Z said in a statement. "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 had one request when the league first partnered with Roc Nation in 2019. He asked that Jay-Z perform "whenever the moment felt right to him."

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What is Jay-Z's connection to the Super Bowl?

Jay-Z's Roc Nation has partnered with the NFL since 2019 to advise on and help produce the league's entertainment presentations, including the halftime show. At the time, Jay-Z said he told Goodell, "If this is about me performing at the Super Bowl, then we can just end this conversation now." The partnership began with the 2020 halftime show featuring Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. Roc Nation will executive produce the 2027 show, with Hamish Hamilton directing. Goodell praised the rapper's impact on the event. "For several years, we've had the privilege of working closely with JAŸ-Z and Roc Nation, and I've seen the extraordinary impact he has had on the Super Bowl halftime show," Goodell said. "I couldn't be more excited for fans around the world to experience the artistry, creativity and cultural impact he will bring to the Super Bowl stage."

What are Jay-Z's career achievements?

Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, has won 25 Grammy Awards and received 89 nominations, the second-most in history behind his wife, Beyoncé. His debut album, 1996's Reasonable Doubt, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year. His catalogue includes albums like The Blueprint and The Black Album, and hits such as Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem), 99 Problems and Empire State of Mind. He co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records and founded the entertainment company Roc Nation in 2008. Jay-Z became the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017 and joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. The announcement follows his recent "Jay-Z 30" concert tour, which ended at SoFi Stadium over the weekend after shows in New York and London.

Who performed at recent Super Bowl halftime shows?

The most recent halftime performer was Latin superstar Bad Bunny at Super Bowl LIX in February. His performance averaged 128.2 million viewers. The show featured guest appearances from Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Cardi B and Pedro Pascal, among others. Bad Bunny's songs saw sharp gains on streaming platforms after the broadcast.

In 2022, the halftime show at SoFi Stadium featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem and Kendrick Lamar. That performance was produced by Roc Nation. Dr. Dre said at the time, "The opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, and to do it in my own backyard, will be one of the biggest thrills of my career." Other past headliners include Rihanna, the Weeknd, Michael Jackson and Madonna.

Why is the announcement significant?

The move marks a shift for Jay-Z, who had previously declined to perform. Reports of his selection began circulating last week. Oliver Schusser, Apple's vice president of music and international content, said in a statement, "JAŸ-Z's impact on global music culture is as profound as it is undeniable." He added, "We know it's going to be an incredible show." Apple Music announced the news on Instagram with the caption, "GOAT's out of the bag." Roc Nation also shared an Instagram post with a photo of Jay-Z and the details. Super Bowl LXI will be the second Super Bowl hosted at SoFi Stadium, following Super Bowl LVI in 2022.

With files from Global News, CBC News and The Guardian