Jay-Z & Roc Nation Allegedly Having A Hard Time Locking In Major Artist For Super Bowl Halftime Show, Rapper May Headline W/ Famous Friends, Source Says

JAY-Z

Jay-Z & Roc Nation Allegedly Having A Hard Time Locking In Major Artist For Super Bowl Halftime Show, Rapper May Headline W/ Famous Friends, Source Says

Jay-Z may go from helping select the Super Bowl halftime headliner to actually becoming one. According to a new Daily Mail report, the rapper and Roc Nation are allegedly having a difficult time locking in a major artist for the 2027 Super Bowl halftime show, which will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

A source described as close to Jay-Z and the NFL claims there is a “very high” chance the show could feature multiple performers because organizers have yet to secure a headliner. The insider even suggested Jay-Z could step in himself, saying, “Jay-Z might do it himself and bring some friends along with him to get things over the hump.” The claims have not been confirmed by Jay-Z, Roc Nation or the NFL. Separately, TMZ reported earlier this week that Justin Bieber and Harry Styles are high on Roc Nation’s wish list, but neither had been approached at the time of its report.

The Daily Mail source claims some artists have become increasingly hesitant about the gig because of the intense scrutiny surrounding recent halftime shows and the possibility of becoming caught up in political controversy. The insider pointed to the recent controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour following his pro-Palestinian remarks, saying, “If anyone is going to do the halftime show and has any political statement, or if Trump hates the pick… Who wants that?” Macklemore was removed from the tour following his remarks, although Sheeran said the decision was made by the tour promoter rather than himself.

The outlet reports organizers hope to announce the 2027 performer by the end of September, though its source claims an announcement could potentially be delayed until November if a deal isn’t reached. Unlike a traditional concert appearance, Super Bowl halftime performers reportedly don’t receive a standard performance fee, with the massive television audience and resulting exposure serving as part of the appeal. Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for Feb. 14, 2027 at SoFi Stadium.