Jay-Z is Apparently Jay-Z's Choice for the Super Bowl Halftime Show

The 61st Super Bowl will take place on on Valentine’s Day of 2027 in Inglewood, California. And the choice for the big concert that happens in the middle of it might be a familiar face. According to Puck, the artist chosen is rapper Jay-Z. And he was chosen… by Jay-Z. Said reporter Dave Brooks, “After weeks of handwringing, Jay-Z, the chief decision-maker on who plays the Super Bowl halftime show, has finally picked the artist who will take the stage in L.A. in February: himself.”

It’s all a bit “Dick Cheney chooses himself for Bush’s VP,” right? But it’s also a choice that makes sense. Jay’s Roc Nation has a lucrative deal with the NFL, reportedly worth $5 million a year, to “curate” and produce the halftime show. That deal was renewed inn 2024 for another five years. That partnership has not been without controversy. In his memoir, published earlier this year, Colin Kaepernick details his one-time friendship with Jay and how Jay went from supporting him during his protests against police brutality, and bragging about turning down the halftime gig, to taking the NFL’s cash. Kaepernick believes that Jay has a “guilty conscience” over it, although the money certainly helps.

The Roc Nation deal has done its job in cleaning up the NFL’s image, at least to an extent. Performers like Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny have brought in huge ratings and given the organisation an air of cool that distracts from its usual jackassery. But they are running low on undisputed megastars who can take on the job, or are willing to do so. Beyonce’s already done it. So has Rihanna, J.Lo, Shakira, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, The Weeknd… Who’s left?

Well, the obvious one is Taylor Swift, but I imagine she doesn’t want to do it until Travis Kelce has officially retired from the sport. There’s Pink, but do we need her after all her recent crap? Same with Ed Sheeran, who is now contentious but also just an effing boring performer. Miley Cyrus has been floated around as a potential pick for years, and I think she’d do a good job. Justin Bieber is another, but I don’t see him doing much in terms of a flashy production. Olivia Rodrigo’s not legacy enough yet. The biggest chart toppers right now are Morgan Wallen and Drake, and, well, you know.

Jay-Z hasn’t had a big hit in years but his back-catalogue is undeniable, he’s got enough tunes that most people know, and the opportunities for cameos from friends and/or his wife is high. Puck theorizes that Jay could make the formal announcement this weekend, when he plays the first of two nearly sold-out shows at the So-Fi Stadium, where the Super Bowl will take place. Well, if I can’t get a Rosalia halftime show, I suppose this’ll do. Or I’ll just rewatch the Prince one.