The opening month of the 2025 NFL season is almost over. And the league is slowly and silently preparing for the Super Bowl LX showdown in Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026. They have decided on the halftime show artist.

It’s Bad Bunny, the rapper. The official sponsor of the Halftime Show, Apple Music, unveiled the news on September 28. The Puerto Rican artist also shared the heartwarming news on his Instagram by posting a photo with the caption, “Super Bowl LX. Bay Area. February 2026.#AppleMusicHalftime.”

Back in 2019, Jay Z’s entertainment company, Roc Nation, became a partner with the NFL for choosing the performer. This year, they selected Bad Bunny from the many names that were flying around.

For many fans, it’s disappointing news after rumors linked Taylor Swift as the potential Super Bowl LIX halftime performer. According to league sources, the NFL did approach the billionaire superstar, but she turned down the offer. Multiple reports suggest Swift had a set of demands aligned with her values, and when the league didn’t agree, she chose to walk away.

Earlier reports suggested the NFL was in talks with Adele to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show, before finalizing Kendrick Lamar. Adele had previously been approached ahead of Super Bowl LI in 2017, but declined the offer.

During a concert at Los Angeles’ Staples Center in August 2016, she told fans, “First of all, I’m not doing the Super Bowl. I mean, that show is not about music. I can’t dance or anything like that. They were very kind, they did ask me, but I did say no.”

The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, held on February 9, 2025, featured Kendrick Lamar as the headliner. His performance drew 133.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime show in NFL history. The set included appearances by SZA, Mustard, Samuel L. Jackson, and Serena Williams, blending music, culture, and cinematic storytelling.

Reflecting on the moment, Lamar said, “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”

Other artists were also considered, including Miley Cyrus, who was reportedly offered a chance to perform. But now, the final decision has been made. Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) will headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The choice was made by Jay-Z, who leads halftime show selections through his partnership with the NFL and Roc Nation.

Jay Z is the decision maker

Jay-Z, through his company Roc Nation, has played a key role in shaping the Super Bowl Halftime Show since partnering with the NFL in 2019. His influence has helped attract major artists and drive record-breaking viewership.

In Super Bowl LVII (2023), Rihanna’s performance drew 121 million viewers, followed by Usher’s show in Super Bowl LVIII (2024) with 123.4 million. Kendrick Lamar broke both records at Super Bowl LIX (2025) with 133.5 million viewers, the highest in NFL history.

Super Bowl Halftime Show’s executive producer Jesse Collins praised Jay-Z’s leadership, saying: “It’s a decision that Jay makes,” Collins said, adding,“Since we’ve been onboard with that show, he’s made it every year, and it’s been amazing. He’s always picked right!”

While Taylor Swift reportedly declined to perform this year, she remains a fan favorite and has attended recent Super Bowls to support her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

Now, with Bad Bunny officially announced as the Super Bowl LX (2026) headliner, all eyes are on Jay-Z’s latest pick to deliver another historic show.