Jay-Z to Perform at 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show

Jay-Z will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on February 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation confirmed the selection on Monday night, ending days of speculation about who would fill the role for this year’s game.

Roc Nation has advised on and helped produce the league’s entertainment presentations since 2019. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that when the league first agreed to work with Roc Nation, he requested that Jay-Z perform himself whenever the moment felt right to the artist. Goodell said, “From 'Reasonable Doubt' to standing on the Super Bowl halftime stage, this has been a journey.”

Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, responded to the announcement in a statement. He noted that the performance represents thirty years of music, work, and culture on what he called the world’s biggest stage. “This run continues to be a dream come true,” he said. The announcement comes just after Jay-Z closed a concert tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of his 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt.

The recent tour included three sold-out shows at Yankee Stadium and performances in London and Paris. The final stop over the weekend took place at SoFi Stadium, the same venue where the halftime show will occur this February. During those concerts, Jay-Z was joined by a rotating cast of guests, including his daughter Blue Ivy, who played piano. Other performers included Scarface, John Legend, DJ Khaled, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Too $hort.

The artist has received 25 Grammy Awards from 89 nominations, placing him second in history behind his wife, Beyoncé, who has performed at two previous Super Bowls. Jay-Z became the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017 and joined the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. He is also a four-time Emmy winner. Reasonable Doubt was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year.

Roc Nation will executive produce the upcoming halftime show, with Hamish Hamilton serving as director. The league’s recent halftime performances have received critical acclaim and awards. Bad Bunny’s performance in February won a record seven Emmys, including best variety special. Kendrick Lamar’s show last year won an Emmy for music direction.

Jay-Z co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records and established Roc Nation in 2008. The company now works with various artists and athletes. The rapper’s catalog includes albums such as The Blueprint and The Black Album, as well as hit songs like 99 Problems and Empire State of Mind.