Jay-Z picked as headliner of Apple Music 2027 Super Bowl halftime show
Jay-Z has been announced as the headliner of the 2027 Super Bowl halftime show, marking a change of roles for the rapper, whose company Roc Nation has helped shape the event’s musical performances since 2019.
The announcement came from the NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation on Monday, 26 October, following weeks of speculation about the entertainment planned for Super Bowl LXI.
The show will take place on 14 February 2027 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Jay-Z recently performed at the same venue to mark 30 years since the release of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt.
Although he has played a central role in the Super Bowl’s music programming, the 2027 event will be the first time he leads the halftime performance himself.
Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber were reportedly among the musicians previously considered for the show.
Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, welcomed the announcement and described the upcoming performance as a personal milestone after three decades in the music business.
Jay-Z moves from producer to headliner
Roc Nation entered into a partnership with the NFL in 2019, taking responsibility for advising the league on live music and entertainment. In 2024, the two organisations extended their agreement.
Under that arrangement, the halftime stage has hosted major artists including Rihanna, The Weeknd, Usher, Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny, as well as a joint performance by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had previously expressed interest in seeing Jay-Z perform at the event. The rapper, however, had not appeared eager to take on the role.
His decision comes as he revisits some of the defining releases of his career. The 56-year-old has recently marked three decades of Reasonable Doubt and 25 years since the release of The Blueprint.
Jay-Z’s discography also includes The Black Album, while tracks such as 99 Problems and Empire State of Mind remain among his best-known recordings. He has received 89 Grammy nominations and collected 25 awards.
He will follow Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny, whose February 2026 halftime performance drew an estimated audience of 128.2mn.
Roc Nation will oversee the production of the 2027 show, with Hamish Hamilton serving as director.
Details of the performance remain limited. Neither the planned setlist nor the possibility of guest appearances has been confirmed by the organisers.
