Jay-Z is officially set to headline the Super Bowl LXI halftime show in 2027, marking a major career milestone for the hip-hop icon who has spent years helping shape the event from behind the scenes.

The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced the news on Monday, October 26, confirming that the rapper will perform at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on February 14, 2027. The announcement ends days of speculation surrounding the identity of next year’s halftime performer.

Born Shawn Carter, Jay-Z has been one of the most influential figures in hip-hop for more than three decades. With a catalogue that includes classics such as “99 Problems,” “Empire State of Mind,” “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” and “Run This Town,” his career has extended beyond music into business, entertainment and sports.

The announcement carries particular significance because Jay-Z has helped oversee the Super Bowl’s musical entertainment since Roc Nation partnered with the NFL in 2019. In that role, the company has helped shape the halftime show and bring some of the world’s biggest performers to the stage, including Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, The Weeknd, Rihanna, Usher, Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny.

Now, Jay-Z will step into the spotlight himself for the first time as the event’s headliner.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, the rapper reflected on his journey from the release of his 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt, to performing on one of the world’s biggest stages.

“From Reasonable Doubt to standing on the Super Bowl Halftime stage, this has been a journey,” he said, describing the opportunity as a dream that continues to unfold after 30 years in music.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also revealed that he had hoped Jay-Z would eventually perform at the Super Bowl when their partnership began. He said he was excited for audiences to experience the rapper’s artistry and cultural influence on the halftime stage.

The announcement arrives shortly after Jay-Z wrapped up his JAŸ-Z30 concert celebration, marking 30 years since Reasonable Doubt and 25 years since The Blueprint. The anniversary run included sold-out performances in New York, London, Paris and Los Angeles, with guest appearances from artists including Beyoncé, Blue Ivy Carter, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and John Legend.

The news has also sparked speculation about potential guest appearances, particularly from Beyoncé, who has headlined a Super Bowl halftime show and appeared as a guest during another. However, no additional performers have been confirmed.

With Jay-Z now confirmed for February 2027, the upcoming halftime show will mark a new chapter in his relationship with the NFL and bring one of hip-hop’s most influential figures to the centre of one of the biggest annual events in global entertainment.