Rapper Jay-Z will perform at the Super Bowl half-time show in February, the NFL has announced.
Jay-Z’s company Roc Nation has produced the half-time show since 2019, and he plays a key role in selecting each year’s performer. But the hip-hop mogul has not previously performed himself at the NFL championship game, and the announcement did not specify if he would be the sole headliner.
“Anticipation as to who Jay-Z might have guest star at halftime for the big game will now kick off,” the NFL said in a statement. “Of course, his wife, Beyoncé, will be atop the list.”
Next year’s Super Bowl LXI will take place on 14 February near Los Angeles.
The announcement was made after Jay-Z performed two shows last weekend at the Los Angeles stadium where the Super Bowl will be played.
The LA shows were part of a tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his debut album Reasonable Doubt.
“From ‘Reasonable Doubt’ to standing on the Super Bowl halftime stage, this has been a journey,” said Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter.
“Thirty years of music, work, and culture on the world’s biggest stage. This run continues to be a dream come true.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he “couldn’t be more excited for fans around the world to experience the artistry, creativity and cultural impact he will bring”.
“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,” Goodell said.
