Jay-Z to Take the Stage at Super Bowl Half-Time Show in February

Rapper Jay-Z will perform at the Super Bowl half-time show in February, the NFL announced on 27 October. It will be the first time he has taken the stage himself at the league's championship game.

His company, Roc Nation, has produced the half-time show since 2019, and he has played a key role in choosing each year's performer. The announcement did not make clear whether he will be the sole headliner.

The league hinted at possible guests in its statement. "Anticipation as to who Jay-Z might have guest star at halftime for the big game will now kick off," the NFL said. "Of course, his wife, Beyoncé, will be atop the list."

Super Bowl LXI is set for 14 February at a stadium near Los Angeles. The news followed two shows Jay-Z played last weekend at the same venue.

Those concerts were part of a tour marking the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, linked the milestone to his new slot. "From 'Reasonable Doubt' to standing on the Super Bowl halftime stage, this has been a journey," he said.

"Thirty years of music, work, and culture on the world's biggest stage," he added. "This run continues to be a dream come true."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he "couldn't be more excited for fans around the world to experience the artistry, creativity and cultural impact he will bring".

Goodell also described the request he made when the league first agreed a deal 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," he said.