Jay-Z has reportedly selected himself to headline the Super Bowl LXI halftime show, potentially taking centre stage at the event he has helped shape through his entertainment company, Roc Nation.
According to a report published by Puck on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, multiple sources indicated that the rapper and businessman had chosen himself for the performance scheduled for February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
The report, written by Dave Brooks, said Jay-Z emerged as the preferred choice after weeks of deliberation, with Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber among the artists considered for the coveted slot. However, neither the National Football League (NFL) nor Roc Nation had officially confirmed the reported selection at the time of publication.
If confirmed, the performance would mark Jay-Z’s first time headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, a milestone for an artist who has played a central role in selecting performers since Roc Nation partnered with the NFL in 2019.
Roc Nation entered a multiyear partnership with the NFL in August 2019, becoming the league’s live music entertainment strategist. Under the agreement, the company advises on artist selection for major NFL performances, including the Super Bowl halftime show, while supporting the league’s Inspire Change social justice initiative.
The partnership was renewed in 2024 for another five years. Puck reported that the deal was worth approximately $5 million annually and covered the curation and production of the halftime show.
The rapper had previously addressed the possibility of choosing himself during a January 2024 interview with Entertainment Tonight at the premiere of his film The Book of Clarence.
“I don’t know,” he said when asked about headlining the show. “I thought it would be selfish to pick myself too early. Maybe one year. Maybe.”
According to Puck, Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber were among the performers considered before Jay-Z reportedly emerged as the preferred choice. The report described him as a compelling option, citing his extensive catalogue and appeal across generations of music fans.
The halftime show attracts significant attention because it gives artists access to a global television audience during one of the biggest annual sporting events in the United States.
Jay-Z’s catalogue includes songs spanning decades of hip-hop, from his 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt, to his 2001 release, The Blueprint, and his most recent studio album, 4:44, released in 2017.
The 2026–2027 period also coincides with the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt and the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint. The two milestones add context to the timing of the reported booking, although no official set list or anniversary-themed production has been announced.
The reported selection comes as the rapper continues to draw large audiences for major live appearances.
Jay-Z grossed more than $42 million across three sold-out Yankee Stadium performances in July 2026 and generated $12 million from a sold-out Paris performance in September.
His recent appearances have included a reunion with the Fugees during two sold-out shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The reunion demonstrated his ability to bring major performers together, a prospect that could generate interest if he headlines the Super Bowl.
Jay-Z is scheduled to perform at SoFi Stadium on October 23 and 24, 2026. The concerts will take place at the same venue set to host Super Bowl LXI in February.
Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
