Jay-Z will reportedly headline the Super Bowl LXI halftime show in Los Angeles this February. Notably, he’s also the man responsible for choosing the performer through a partnership with the NFL.
What We Know: According to Puck Media, Jay-Z landed the gig after Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber also received consideration. His company, Roc Nation, signed a $5 million-a-year deal with the NFL in 2019 to curate and produce the show. Then, in 2024, the league extended that partnership for five more years. Additionally, Jay-Z could formally announce the booking this weekend at SoFi Stadium. Neither the NFL nor Roc Nation has commented on the reporting.
What’s At Stake: With Jay-Z serving as Roc Nation’s founder and chairman, the company may have faced specific timelines to meet. With Super Bowl LXI set for Los Angeles and The Walt Disney Company broadcasting the game, plenty of artists would likely be eager to reach a global audience. However, with the booking, could Jay-Z be hinting at new material around the corner for promotion? Recent artists to perform include Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Usher, and Rhianna.
What Remains Unclear: If Jay-Z is indeed choosing himself, it’s unknown what other performers will appear alongside him. It’s also unknown if Jay-Z will earn additional revenue for booking himself as the main act of the annual attraction.
What It Means: Ultimately, the move fits the mandate Roger Goodell gave Jay-Z: make halftime cool and win back casual fans. Plus, the rapper is on a stadium run marking 30 years since his Reasonable Doubt release. In July alone, he grossed more than $42 million across three Yankee Stadium shows on the east coast. Clearly, his chart drought hasn’t slowed demand for his live performances, but will it interest a Super Bowl audience worldwide?
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