While addressing critics and those questioning the final decision, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admits the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation have “always wanted” JAY-Z to headline a Super Bowl Halftime Show. However, he clarified that Hov only wanted to do it when he was ready.
RELATED: Are You Here For This? Jay-Z Reportedly Chooses Himself For Super Bowl Halftime Show
As we previously shared, reports first began surfacing in September. Sources claimed the three aforementioned entities were having a hard time finding a Super Bowl Halftime Show performer. However, those who could see through the veil predicted Hov had a trick up his sleeve, and would “name himself as headliner.”
By October 20, updated reports claimed officials would in fact name JAY-Z as headliner. And by October 26, the news was confirmed. The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation officially announced that Hov would be headlining Super Bowl LXI. The event will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California on February 14, 2027. In a press release, JAY-Z said:
“From ‘Reasonable Doubt’ to standing on the Super Bowl halftime stage, this has been a journey. Thirty years of music, work, and culture on the world’s biggest stage. This run continues to be a dream come true.”
In the same release, Goodell admitted that when the league first entered into its partnership with JAY-Z and Roc Nation, Hov would eventually take the stage himself “whenever the moment felt right to him.” Goodell said:
“For several years, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with JAY-Z and Roc Nation, and I’ve seen the extraordinary impact he has had on the Super Bowl Halftime Show. When we first reached an agreement with Roc Nation to produce the show, I had just one request: that JAY-Z take the stage himself one day, whenever the moment felt right to him. I couldn’t be more excited for fans around the world to experience the artistry, creativity and cultural impact he will bring to the Super Bowl stage.”
Goodell echoed these comments while speaking with Apple Music’s ‘The Ebro Show.’
“So many things go into that as we go into the process and Jay does his thing. We’ve always wanted this to happen at some point. It was something I asked him about at the time when we first started this, and he said, ‘Yeah, we’ll see, let’s see what happens’ — but it was clear he wanted it to happen. We’ve talked about it a couple of times. I think the fact that he’s in his 30th anniversary year of his first album, he just finished his tour, it’s L.A., he’s at that point as the GOAT that he’s ready for it. He was pretty clear: ‘I wanna do it this year.’ I guess I was more excited than anything, maybe a little surprised, because he keeps putting it off a little bit. But I think he’s already got his vision; he already understands what he wants to do. He’s been so remarkable in helping us elevate the whole Super Bowl halftime show. He’s a genius, and not just a creative genius in a musical sense. His business sense, his sense of timing, his sense of what’s necessary in the world —he’s just got that. I trust him, and I trust his point of view.”
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