Jay-Z Takes Super Bowl Stage

Shawn Carter will step onto the Super Bowl halftime stage for the first time, an announcement that caps a three-year tenure by his production company at the event. The NFL confirmed on Monday that the rapper, widely known as Jay-Z, will perform during the championship game. This marks his debut as a main performer on the league's biggest platform, despite his Roc Nation firm having produced the halftime show since 2019.

The decision comes shortly after Carter played two concerts at the Los Angeles stadium that will host Super Bowl LXI. Those shows were part of a tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. The NFL did not state whether he would perform alone or with guests, though it noted that speculation about potential collaborators would likely begin immediately.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he had requested that Carter take the stage whenever the moment felt right. Goodell described the move as an opportunity for fans worldwide to experience the artist's cultural impact. The league stated in a release that anticipation regarding guest stars would now kick off, adding that his wife, Beyoncé, would be atop the list of expected names.

Carter said the performance represents a journey from his early work to the world's biggest stage. He described the run as a dream come true, citing thirty years of music and culture. The Super Bowl LXI game is scheduled for February 14, 2026, near Los Angeles.