Rapper Jay-Z will headline the halftime show at Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles in February, the NFL announced on Monday, marking the first time the hip-hop mogul will perform at the event after years of overseeing its entertainment lineup.
Jay-Z’s entertainment company, Roc Nation, has produced the Super Bowl halftime show annually since 2020, selecting the headline performers, although the rapper has yet to take the stage himself.
“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,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a joint statement.
“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.”
The NFL announcement did not clarify whether Jay-Z would be the sole headliner at the halftime show.
The announcement followed two performances by Jay-Z at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium last weekend. The venue is scheduled to host the Super Bowl on February 14.
The concerts marked the culmination of a year-long tour celebrating 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.”
Jay-Z’s recent Los Angeles performances offered a glimpse of the star power he could bring to the Super Bowl halftime show. He was joined on stage by John Legend, DJ Khaled, Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg.
Jay-Z is married to pop superstar Beyoncé, who has also performed at the Super Bowl halftime show.
AFP
