Jay-Z has been confirmed as the headline act for the Super Bowl LXI halftime show, which will take place at SoFi Stadium in California. The announcement was made through a short black-and-white clip aired during halftime of Monday's game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles.
The clip showed Jay-Z sitting in the stands of a stadium, with the words "Goat's out of the bag" displayed above him. This will mark the rapper's first performance at a Super Bowl.
Roc Nation's NFL Deal
The news follows the partnership between Jay-Z's Roc Nation and the NFL, which oversees the halftime display. The initial contract was signed in 2019 and renewed in 2024, with an annual value of $5 million.
Some online users reacted negatively to the decision. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote: "Another poor decision by Jay-Z for the Super Bowl Half Time show." Another commented: "Jay Z is performing the Super Bowl halftime???? That’s going to be awful!" A third said: "ESPNNFL Get Jay Z out of our Super Bowl entertainment. So awful."
Supporters Defend the Choice
Others defended the announcement. One user wrote: "JAY-Z is about to set a whole new standard for Super Bowl halftime viewership!!! After selling out SoFi Stadium TWICE and bringing that kind of energy, you already know the whole world will be watching. Fans, critics, and even the haters will be tuned in. Everybody is going to want to see what he has planned. This will be HUGE!!!"
Jay-Z's wife, Beyonce, performed at the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans and returned as a special guest alongside Bruno Mars when Coldplay headlined in 2016 in Santa Clara.
Jay-Z on Music Selection
Last year, following Bad Bunny performing part of his set away from English, Jay-Z discussed the decision-making process behind the halftime show with GQ. He said: "I think everyone should experience music in its totality. And for a lot of years, it was only one side of music that was being represented. We got the opportunity to create a more balanced idea of what popular music is today."
He added: "I'm not going out on a limb, this is the most famous people in the world. I didn't pick, like, the indie artist that I really like from Portland - It's the number one most streamed artist in the world. Him!"
