Rapper Jay-Z is set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show in February, marking his first appearance as a performer at the National Football League’s (NFL) championship game.
The announcement marks a major moment for the hip-hop star, whose company, Roc Nation, has produced the prestigious halftime show since 2019.
Jay-Z has also played a key role in selecting performers for the annual event but has never taken to the stage himself.
The NFL confirmed the news but did not clarify whether Jay-Z would be the sole headliner or if other artists would join him during the performance.
Attention has already turned to the possibility of surprise guest appearances, particularly from his wife, global music star Beyoncé.
“Anticipation as to who Jay-Z might have guest star at halftime for the big game will now kick off,” the NFL said in a statement, adding that Beyoncé would naturally be among the names fans would expect to see.
The Super Bowl LXI halftime show is scheduled for February 14, 2027, near Los Angeles, California, where the championship game will take place.
The announcement came shortly after Jay-Z performed two shows last weekend at the Los Angeles stadium that will host the Super Bowl.
The concerts formed part of a tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, which was released in 1996.
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, reflected on his journey from releasing his first album to preparing to perform at one of the world's most-watched sporting events.
“From ‘Reasonable Doubt’ to standing on the Super Bowl halftime stage, this has been a journey,” he said.
“Thirty years of music, work, and culture on the world's biggest stage. This run continues to be a dream come true.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also welcomed the announcement, expressing excitement about the rapper's contribution to the global event.
“I couldn't be more excited for fans around the world to experience the artistry, creativity and cultural impact he will bring,” Goodell said.
Goodell added that when the NFL first partnered with Roc Nation to produce the halftime show, he had made one personal request: that Jay-Z eventually perform at the event himself when he felt the time was right.
Jay-Z's appointment as a performer adds a new dimension to his existing relationship with the NFL.
Through Roc Nation, he has helped shape the musical direction of the halftime show for several years, bringing major artists to a stage watched by millions of people worldwide.
