Southern California welcomes Jay-Z, who picks himself to headline the Super Bowl halftime show at SoFi Stadium

A long-awaited halftime performance

Jay-Z is set to perform at the Super Bowl after years of helping shape its entertainment. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he asked Jay-Z to take the stage when the time felt right.

Jay-Z described the moment as the continuation of a journey that began with “Reasonable Doubt,” his 1996 debut album. The album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year.

Return to SoFi Stadium

The announcement follows Jay-Z’s recent concerts marking 30 years since “Reasonable Doubt.” The run included three sold-out shows at Yankee Stadium, sold-out performances in London and Paris, and a weekend stop at SoFi Stadium. The concerts featured a range of guests. At SoFi Stadium, his daughter Blue Ivy played piano on “The Story of O.J.” and “Dead Presidents,” while Scarface, John Legend and DJ Khaled joined opening night. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Too $hort appeared at Saturday’s finale.

Roc Nation and the NFL

Roc Nation has partnered with the NFL since 2019, advising on and helping produce league entertainment, including the halftime show. Jay-Z initially told Goodell that if the partnership was about him performing at the Super Bowl, the conversation could end.

Roc Nation will executive produce this year’s show, with Hamish Hamilton directing. Recent halftime performances have earned Emmy recognition: Bad Bunny’s February performance won a record seven awards, while Kendrick Lamar’s show last year won for music direction.

A career across music and business

Born Shawn Carter, Jay-Z has won 25 Grammy Awards and received 89 nominations, the second-most in history behind Beyoncé, his wife. She has performed at two Super Bowls. His music includes “The Blueprint,” “The Black Album” and songs such as “99 Problems” and “Empire State of Mind,” recorded with Alicia Keys.