Shawn Carter to make Super Bowl halftime stage debut in February

Shawn Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, will perform at the Super Bowl halftime show next February. The NFL confirmed the news on Monday, marking the first time the hip-hop artist will headline the championship game.

The announcement follows two concerts Carter performed last weekend at the Los Angeles stadium that will host Super Bowl LXI on February 14. Those shows were part of a tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt.

Carter has a long-standing relationship with the event through his production company, Roc Nation. The company has produced the halftime show since 2019 and helps select the performers each year. However, he has not previously performed on the stage himself.

In a statement, Carter reflected on the milestone. "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. This run continues to be a dream come true."

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell welcomed the development. "When we first reached an agreement 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," Goodell said.

The NFL also noted that anticipation for guest appearances will now begin. The league suggested that Beyonce, Carter's wife, would be a top candidate for a supporting role in the performance.