Jay-Z chooses himself to headline Super Bowl halftime show with U2 playing Thanksgiving Eve game

The Super Bowl halftime show for 2027 has been officially announced, with Jay-Z taking center stage for the coveted performance at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on February 14. This marks a significant milestone in the rapper’s career as he celebrates three decades in the music industry, bringing his extensive influence and artistry to one of the world’s largest live audiences.

Jay-Z’s involvement in the NFL’s entertainment landscape began with a partnership established in 2019 between his company, Roc Nation, and the league. Since then, he has played a vital role in curating the halftime shows, which have featured prominent artists and received critical acclaim. His upcoming solo performance is the latest development in this ongoing collaboration, signaling a personal artistic statement on sport’s grandest stage.

The announcement was jointly confirmed by Apple Music, the NFL, and Roc Nation. While the competing teams for the game remain undecided, anticipation is already building around the halftime spectacle. Jay-Z’s career retrospective tour, currently highlighting his debut album "Reasonable Doubt" in its entirety, features notable guest collaborators and underscores the enduring cultural impact of his work.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed enthusiasm about Jay-Z’s headlining role, emphasizing the rapper’s significant contribution to the halftime show’s evolution. The commissioner revealed that the NFL had envisioned this moment as part of their long-term partnership, aiming for Jay-Z to showcase his own performance when the timing was right.

Broadcast coverage will span multiple platforms including ESPN, ABC, Disney+, and the NFL’s mobile service NFL+, ensuring extensive accessibility for viewers nationwide and internationally.

In addition to the Super Bowl update, the NFL announced the artists performing during the Thanksgiving holiday games. Country singer Miranda Lambert is slated to perform at the traditional Thanksgiving Day halftime show on November 26, during the Dallas Cowboys versus Philadelphia Eagles game at AT&T Stadium in Texas. Lambert joins a lineage of country and crossover artists who have shaped the festive halftime entertainment in recent years.

A new addition this year is the inaugural Thanksgiving Eve halftime show, scheduled for November 25 at SoFi Stadium. Irish rock band U2 will headline this event during the Green Bay Packers versus Los Angeles Rams matchup. U2’s return to the NFL stage comes ahead of their 50th anniversary celebrations and follows the release of their 16th studio album, "Carnaval De Luz," which dropped earlier in November.

Netflix will provide live streaming coverage of U2’s performance, marking a notable collaboration between the streaming giant and the NFL. Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO, highlighted the band’s longstanding reputation for delivering memorable stadium performances that resonate with global audiences.

U2’s history with the Super Bowl halftime show includes their 2002 appearance, and their current NFL engagement reflects their ongoing global touring plans, which include dates in Mexico City, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires in early 2027.

Together, these announcements showcase the NFL’s continued commitment to blending premier music acts with its marquee sporting events. The partnership with Roc Nation and the selection of artists across genres demonstrates an evolving entertainment strategy aimed at broadening the halftime show’s cultural relevance and appeal.

While the lineup has been met with enthusiasm, it also remains part of a wider dialogue on representation and artistic choices within major live events. Nonetheless, Jay-Z’s role as headliner and the inclusion of iconic acts like U2 and Miranda Lambert affirm the NFL’s focus on delivering diverse and high-profile performances to its audience.