Jay-Z has been named the top favourite to headline the Super Bowl 2027 halftime show, according to new odds shared with Metro by William Hill. The 56-year-old rapper, who has been celebrating the 30th anniversary of his debut album Reasonable Doubt, is currently quoted at evens (1/1), making him the clear frontrunner.
Favourite to take centre stage
William Hill has placed the 99 Problems rapper ahead of Justin Bieber, who follows at 2/1 following his World Cup closing show performance this summer. Other artists in the mix include Miley Cyrus (3/1) and Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter (4/1).
A spokesperson for the bookmakers said: 'Amid speculation that Jay-Z is one of the leading candidates to headline the Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show, we're quoting even money about the American rap sensation to take centre stage at the SoFi Stadium in California next year.'
'The timing fits well with his ongoing 30th Anniversary Tour and it could be the perfect end to a memorable run for him.'
They added: 'A host of other big names will also want to throw their hats in the ring, including Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter among others, but Jay-Z is our frontrunner at the moment.'
Long-awaited headline slot
Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, has curated the NFL's big music event for the best part of a decade, bringing artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and Lady Gaga to the football field. Fans have long wondered if he would ever headline himself.
In the past, Jay-Z has addressed the possibility with a coy 'maybe one day'. In 2024, he explained that his priority has been platforming other artists, telling Entertainment Tonight: 'I thought it would be selfish to pick myself too early.'
Anniversary celebrations continue
This summer, Jay-Z has performed at the Roots Picnic festival in the US and hosted a three-night residency at Yankee Stadium with famous friends as special guests. He has also reunited with collaborators such as Rihanna, Alicia Keys and Beyoncé during special performances marking the album's anniversary.
He is now preparing to bring the show to London with two nights at Tottenham Stadium on September 4 and 5, and will launch a pop-up in the city on August 27. Fans in Paris and Los Angeles will also have the chance to see him perform hits such as Big Pimpin', Can't Knock The Hustle, Empire State of Mind and Run This Town.
Those attending the first night of the London shows are especially anticipating an appearance from Beyoncé, given that it falls on her 45th birthday. Tickets for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium shows are currently on sale via Live Nation.
