Jay-Z has spent the last seven years deciding who gets the biggest stage in music. Now he may be giving it to himself.
The Brooklyn rapper’s possible halftime debut at Super Bowl LXI is still unconfirmed, but the reports alone have reignited one of pop culture’s favorite debates: who deserves that stage? It’s a fair question, as legendary stars like Michael Jackson, Prince, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Usher, and more have created memorable, record-breaking moments on that very stage.
Since 2019, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation has had a hand in selecting the Super Bowl halftime show performer after the NFL gave the Brooklyn rapper the title of “live music entertainment strategist.”
“The NFL has a great big platform, and it has to be all-inclusive,” Jay-Z told Variety in 2019. “They were willing to do some things, to make some changes, that we can do some good.”
As social media debates the ethics of the “Song Cry” rapper possibly headlining the 2027 halftime show, the conversation raises a bigger question: which Black artists are still waiting for their turn to perform during the NFL championship game? Here are the ones we’d love to see headline the Super Bowl someday.
Cardi B
Cardi B has already had a taste of the halftime stage. She was one of the surprise guests Bad Bunny brought out during his Super Bowl LX show, alongside Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. Now it’s time for the Bronx native to run the whole show. Between “Bodak Yellow,” “I Like It,” “WAP” and the songs from her sophomore album “Am I the Drama?,” Cardi has the hits, the humor and the unpredictability to make 13 minutes feel like an event.
Drake
Whether you love him or hate him, Drake has a catalog deep enough to fill several halftime shows, from “Hotline Bling” and “God’s Plan” to “Nice For What” and “Passionfruit.” He has spent more than 15 years setting records on the charts that even some of his biggest haters have found themselves humming along to.
Plus, think about how interesting it would be to see if the Toronto rapper would use the stage to clap back at Kendrick Lamar’s notable halftime show.
Pharrell (with all the special guests)
A Pharrell halftime show wouldn’t just be a concert; it would be a walk through 30 years of pop culture. As one half of The Neptunes and the frontman of N.E.R.D., the Virginia Beach native has had a hand in creating some of the biggest songs of our time. Imagine a medley from “Frontin’” to “Happy” into a Clipse reunion, followed by Snoop Dogg’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl,” Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky,” and so much more. With his catalog, the guest list alone could make for the most stacked halftime in history, and given his influence in the fashion world, everyone would look good doing it.
Doja Cat
It’s no secret that Doja Cat treats every stage like a canvas, so the Super Bowl’s budget would be in good hands. The “Paint the Town Red” singer has proven she can rap, sing, and pull off a full theatrical concept without missing a beat. With hits like “Say So,” “Kiss Me More,” and “Woman,” she has plenty of crowd-pleasers in her back pocket and a stage presence that keeps audiences intrigued.
Tyler the Creator
The two-time Best Rap Album Grammy winner is known for turning his tours into full-blown worlds, complete with characters, elaborate sets, and storylines. Regardless of whether you’re familiar with his hit songs like “EARFQUAKE” or “Sticky,” Tyler the Creator’s creativity and energy is bound to create an unforgettable halftime show.
Ciara
Ciara has already proven her stage presence with the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. Her high-energy choreography and decades-long catalog of hit songs like “1, 2 Step,” “Oh,” “Body Party,” and “Level Up” would make for a show that would have the entire stadium on its feet.
