Jay-Z to Make Super Bowl Halftime Debut in February

Jay-Z will perform at the Super Bowl LXI halftime show on February 14, 2026, according to the NFL. This marks the first time the hip-hop artist has taken the stage at the league's championship game, although his company Roc Nation has produced the event since 2019.

The announcement follows two concerts Jay-Z held at the Los Angeles venue this past weekend. Those shows were part of a tour marking the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. The NFL did not confirm whether he will be the sole headliner or if guest artists will join him.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he had requested a personal performance from the artist when he initially signed Roc Nation to produce the show. Goodell stated he wanted Jay-Z to take the stage whenever the moment felt right. He described the upcoming performance as a chance for global fans to experience the artist's cultural impact.

The league also noted that speculation regarding potential guests will now begin. The NFL specifically mentioned that Beyoncé, Jay-Z's wife, would likely be at the top of the list of expected collaborators. This comment comes as the artist prepares for the high-profile event near Los Angeles.

Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, welcomed the news. He described the career arc from his early work to the Super Bowl stage as a dream coming true. He called the upcoming appearance a continuation of a thirty-year journey in music and culture.