Jay-Z was officially confirmed as the halftime headliner for this season’s Super Bowl in February.
Following weeks of speculation that the rapper had selected himself to perform during the big game, ESPN officially announced that he would take to the stage during halftime of Monday night’s clash between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.
The iconic rapper, 56, signed a $5 million-a-year deal with the NFL to oversee the music spectacle in 2019, which was renewed in 2024.
Since taking charge, the rap icon has selected the likes of Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny. Now, it he is trusting himself to step into the spotlight for this year’s NFL showdown, which will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Valentine’s Day.
‘From Reasonable Doubt to standing on the Super Bowl Halftime stage, this has been a journey,’ Jay-Z said in a statement shortly after the news broke. ‘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 welcomed the selection, revealing that Jay-Z’s upcoming performance had been years in the making.
Jay-Z was officially confirmed as the halftime headliner for this season’s Super Bowl
ESPN announced the decision in a short clip aired during halftime of Monday night’s game
‘For several years, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with Jay-Z and Roc Nation, and I’ve seen the extraordinary impact he has had on the Super Bowl Halftime Show,’ said Goodell.
‘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. 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 Daily Mail first reported that Jay-Z, who is married to and shares three children with Beyonce, was considering himself for the Halftime Show on September 18, something which Roc Nation and the NFL furiously denied at the time.
When the 99 Problems hitmaker was first speculated to be this season’s headliner, he was mercilessly mocked by football fans online.
Many took to social media with criticism, taunts and even memes mocking his decision to select himself.
Rumors had previously suggested Jay-Z and Roc Nation were considering Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber and Harry Styles for one of America’s most iconic gigs.
More to follow.
