Jay-Z to Headline Super Bowl Halftime Show in February
The rapper will perform at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, marking a shift from his previous role as a behind-the-scenes producer for the NFL.
By Benjamin Clark ·
Jay-Z will perform as the featured artist at the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 14, 2026. The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation confirmed the announcement on Monday night. The performance will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that he asked Jay-Z to take the stage personally whenever the timing felt appropriate. This request came during initial negotiations between the league and Roc Nation. Jay-Z had previously told Goodell in 2019 that if the partnership was about him performing, the conversation should end immediately.
In a statement, Jay-Z described the opportunity as a continuation of a thirty-year journey. He referenced his 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt, and the recent celebration of its thirtieth anniversary. He called the performance a dream come true on the world's biggest stage.
Roc Nation has advised on and helped produce NFL entertainment presentations since 2019. Hamish Hamilton will direct the upcoming halftime show. Roc Nation will serve as the executive producer. The show will follow recent awards for similar events, including Bad Bunny’s record seven Emmy wins and Kendrick Lamar’s award for music direction.
Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, has won 25 Grammy Awards and received 89 nominations. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Last year, Reasonable Doubt entered the Grammy Hall of Fame. His career includes founding Roc-A-Fella Records and establishing Roc Nation in 2008.
The recent concert tour for the album anniversary included stops in New York, London and Paris before the Inglewood dates. At SoFi Stadium, guests included Scarface, John Legend and DJ Khaled on opening night. The Saturday finale featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Too $hort. His daughter Blue Ivy played piano on two tracks during the Inglewood performances.
Beyoncé, Rihanna, Eminem and Nas appeared as guests at earlier shows at Yankee Stadium. Jay-Z is a four-time Emmy winner. He has also achieved success as an entrepreneur, building Roc Nation into a company representing artists and athletes. His catalog includes albums such as The Blueprint and The Black Album, along with hit songs like Empire State of Mind.
Source: WUSF · original report published
