With just 166 days left until Super Bowl LX ignites Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 6, it may be early—even before the regular season’s August 28 kickoff—to ignite the rumor mill about next year’s halftime spectacle.
Following Kendrick Lamar’s widely praised New Orleans production—complete with surprise cameos from SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams and Mustard—Usher’s star-studded 2024 Las Vegas show featuring Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., Lil Jon, Ludacris and will.i.am, and Rihanna’s iconic baby-bump celebration in 2023, there seems to be no ceiling on what might unfold at next season’s halftime extravaganza.
Since Jay-Z’s Roc Nation joined forces with the NFL in 2019—bringing us The Weeknd in 2021 and the unforgettable 2022 reunion of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar—the league’s halftime shows have soared in cultural relevance. Yet the rumor generating the most heat for 2026 centers on a megastar who has never before commanded this stage: Taylor Swift.
Swift—who dazzled Levi’s Stadium twice during her July 2023 Eras Tour—has flirted with halftime show chatter before, but everything aligns this season for her to conquer that platform. Beyond her frequent NFL appearances alongside Kansas City Chiefs tight end and three-time champion Travis Kelce, she teased potential game-day glamour on Kelce’s New Heights podcast, hinting at halftime teasers to promote her forthcoming 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, slated for October 3.
And Swift is far from the lone contender as fans scour social channels for hidden clues. With the customary September reveal of the next headline act approaching, other names swirling in the conjecture include Justin Bieber—fresh off his surprise R&B-leaning album Swag—Roc Nation’s Jay-Z, Bay Area icons Metallica and Green Day, pop diva Mariah Carey, genre-blender Post Malone and rap titan Drake.
Below, we delve into why each of these artists—and several others—could be the face of the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.
Taylor Swift
Over the past two seasons, Swift has unofficially become the NFL’s most visible superstar, thanks to her regular appearances in the Kelce family skybox alongside A-list friends. Though she admitted on New Heights that football was never her childhood passion, she boasts an encyclopedic knowledge of legendary halftime performances—even without tuning into the games themselves.
She also revealed a newfound obsession with baking sourdough, a humorous nod to the San Francisco 49ers’ mascot, Sourdough Sam, and perhaps a subtle teaser for Levi’s Stadium. With Super Bowl LX marking the 60th anniversary of the event, the coincidence—or calculated clue?—only deepens the intrigue.
Jay-Z
Since 2019, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation has stewarded the NFL’s halftime spectacles, re-signing in 2024 to extend their collaboration. Under his guidance, performances have mirrored his eclectic taste, from Jennifer Lopez and Shakira to Rihanna, Usher and Kendrick Lamar.
Now, whispers of a new Jay-Z album—rekindled by his recent Memphis Bleek podcast appearance—paired with his onstage cameo with Beyoncé in July in Atlanta, suggest he could seize the mic himself. Not to mention, 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of his debut Reasonable Doubt, making it a fitting tribute should he step into the spotlight.
Post Malone
Though Post Malone’s enthusiasm may hinge on his beloved Dallas Cowboys’ fortunes, few artists boast the cross-genre appeal needed for halftime stardom. His recent album, F-1 Trillion, is rife with collaborations—from Morgan Wallen to Blake Shelton and Jelly Roll—offering potential surprise guests and a high-energy performance. Just don’t expect any toasts to “Losers!” on the field.
Metallica
Rock has historically taken the Super Bowl stage—think The Who and Bruce Springsteen—but no performance has approached the raw intensity Metallica could deliver. As Bay Area favorites with an unparalleled live presence, tracks like “Enter Sandman,” “Master of Puppets” and “Seek & Destroy” could ignite Levi’s Stadium in a way the halftime show has never seen.
Green Day
Since Maroon 5 headlined in 2019, rock acts have been conspicuously absent from halftime. With the 2026 game in their backyard, Berkeley’s own Green Day could break that streak. Their catalog is stacked with anthems, and recent festival and benefit appearances prove they retain the stamina and cultural relevance to command the stage.
BTS
After a more than three-year hiatus during which members completed South Korean military service, BTS is poised for a major comeback. RM has confirmed in June livestreams that a new album and tour are set for next spring. Aligning their return with the Super Bowl would deliver the ultimate global launchpad.
Drake
Drake reaffirmed his chart dominance with his 14th No. 1 album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, and sold out European dates on his Some Special Shows 4 U Tour. Hits like “NOKIA” and “What Did I Miss?” both peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100. With Iceman on the horizon and the chance to become the first solo rapper with 15 Billboard 200 chart-toppers, halftime could be the perfect stage to cement his legacy.
Justin Bieber
Nearly three years have passed since Bieber cancelled the remainder of his Justice Tour due to Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. His July release of the R&B-forward Swag album and gradual return to the spotlight—as a new father to son Jack Blues—make halftime an ideal moment for the singer to showcase his restored vocal prowess and renewed energy.
Mariah Carey
Among living pop icons who have yet to grace the halftime stage, Mariah Carey’s list of chart-toppers is unparalleled. If she’s still in promotion mode for her Here for It All album next February—and after her Video Vanguard celebration at the VMAs—Roc Nation might find her an irresistible choice.
Lady Gaga
While no artist has headlined halftime twice as the sole act, Lady Gaga checks all the boxes. Her 2017 performance was lauded, and she’s maintained her cultural clout with standout Coachella and record-breaking Brazil shows. A second turn at the Super Bowl could be a showstopper.
