Who could be the next Super Bowl halftime show performer?

Bad Bunny’s recent Super Bowl halftime show performance has sparked discussion about who might take the stage at Super Bowl LXI, set to be held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Several prominent artists are being considered, representing a range of musical styles and generations.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is a strong contender for next year’s performance. Fans have long requested her appearance, and her growing connection to the NFL, through her relationship with Travis Kelce, could increase the likelihood. A change in presenting sponsors from Pepsi to Apple Music may also remove a previous obstacle to her performing.

Did You Know? At Super Bowl LVI, the NFL featured a lineup of hip-hop legends including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem.

Billy Joel

A legacy act could also be chosen, and Billy Joel is being discussed as a possibility. Despite recent health issues, he has continued to perform. He has never previously performed at a Super Bowl halftime show, and opportunities are becoming limited.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande’s star power and extensive catalogue of hits make her another potential headliner. Her recent role in Wicked has broadened her global audience, and a Super Bowl performance could further solidify her status as a major artist.

Elton John

Similar to Billy Joel, Elton John has never performed at the Super Bowl halftime show. Following a trend of featuring legendary British performers later in their careers, such as Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones, Elton John could be considered. He is known as one of the greatest showmen in music history and possesses a vast collection of hit songs.

The Killers, The Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon

There is a possibility of a group performance, similar to the hip-hop showcase at Super Bowl LVI. This could involve a collection of 21st-century rock bands like The Killers, The Foo Fighters, and Kings of Leon, acknowledging a genre that hasn’t been prominently featured in recent halftime shows.

Blink-182, My Chemical Romance, Green Day

Pop punk bands, such as Blink-182, My Chemical Romance, and Green Day, have also been excluded from the Super Bowl stage. Green Day did play the Opening Ceremony at this year’s Super Bowl, but a halftime show performance would carry significantly more prestige.

Expert Insight: The NFL’s choice of halftime performers often reflects a desire to appeal to broad audiences and align with current cultural trends. Considering the success of past collaborative performances, a group act representing a specific genre could be a strategic move.

Drake

Drake, one of the most-streamed artists of the 2010s on Spotify, is also in the running. Despite collaborations with previous halftime performers like Rihanna, The Weeknd, and Kendrick Lamar, he has yet to headline the show himself.

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran, the second most-streamed artist of the 2010s, is another potential candidate. His diverse musical style, encompassing ballads, pop songs, and hip-hop influences, could create a dynamic and engaging halftime show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who performed at the Super Bowl in 2026?

Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga performed at the Super Bowl in 2026.

Was Taylor Swift considered for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show?

Taylor Swift says she did not turn down the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, which was headlined by Bad Bunny.

Has Billy Joel ever performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show?

No, Billy Joel has never been the Super Bowl halftime show performer.

With so many talented artists in contention, which performer do you think would best capture the energy and excitement of the Super Bowl stage?