Rapper Jay‑Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, will headline the Super Bowl LXI halftime show on 14 February near Los Angeles, the NFL announced today. The hip‑hop star’s company, Roc Nation, has produced the halftime show since 2019 and he has played a key role in selecting each year’s performer, though he has never performed at the NFL championship game before.
The NFL said in a statement that anticipation is now building over who Jay‑Z might invite to join him on stage. "Of course, his wife, Beyoncé, will be atop the list," the league added.
Jay‑Z will follow in the footsteps of recent performers such as Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Usher, Rihanna and The Weeknd. Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 performance was the most‑watched halftime show in history and earned an Emmy for outstanding music direction.
The announcement came after Jay‑Z performed two shows last weekend at the Los Angeles stadium where the Super Bowl will be played. Those shows were part of a tour celebrating 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,” Jay‑Z said. “Thirty years of music, work, and culture on the world’s biggest stage. This run continues to be a dream come true.”
“I couldn’t be more excited for fans around the world to experience the artistry, creativity and cultural impact he will bring,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. He added that when the league first agreed with Roc Nation to produce the show, his only request was that Jay‑Z take the stage himself one day, whenever the moment felt right.
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.
