Who is performing the halftime show at the Super Bowl 2026
Who Is Performing the Halftime Show at the Super Bowl 2026
You’re searching for who is performing at the Super Bowl 2026, but the official name is still a closely guarded secret. While we wait for the big reveal, we can look at the clues. Landing the world’s most-watched concert isn’t a lottery; the choice comes down to a few key ingredients: undeniable global fame, a catalog of massive hits, and a proven ability to command a stage for over 100 million viewers.
Based on those unwritten rules, the speculation is already turning into a roar. Fan campaigns and industry buzz have created a clear shortlist of megastars with the cultural power to headline the historic Super Bowl 60. These aren’t just guesses; they are the leading Super Bowl 60 halftime show predictions based on who is at the absolute peak of the entertainment world right now.
For example, consider Taylor Swift. Her “Eras Tour” recently became the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, making her arguably the biggest entertainer on the planet. A performance from her would be a guaranteed cultural event, packed with anthems everyone knows, such as:
- “Shake It Off”
- “Anti-Hero”
- “Cruel Summer”
But she’s not the only titan in the running. Strong 2026 halftime show performer rumors also point toward global icons like Bad Bunny and Harry Styles, both of whom have sold out stadiums worldwide and dominate streaming charts. These Super Bowl halftime show fan favorites each make a powerful case for why they should get the call. Which of these stars would you most want to see take the field?
How Does an Artist Get Chosen for the Halftime Show?
Ever wonder who gets to make that massive decision? It’s not just one person but a powerful team. The NFL has the final say, but they work very closely with their partners. Since 2022, that key partner has been Apple Music, which sponsors the entire event and helps shape the direction. To ensure the performance is a true spectacle, the league also brings in entertainment experts. Currently, that role is filled by Roc Nation, the company founded by JAY-Z, which helps scout talent and produce the show from start to finish.
Of course, not just any artist can take on the world’s biggest stage. The selection process focuses on finding a performer with two key things: a massive catalog of recognizable hits and an appeal that cuts across different generations. The goal is to find someone who can entertain the millions of people watching, from dedicated music fans to casual football viewers. The artist must be able to fill their 13-minute set with songs that a huge portion of the audience already knows and loves, ensuring a shared cultural moment.
This whole process starts much earlier than you might think. While the world is still buzzing about the previous year’s show, discussions for the next one are already underway. The final decision and public announcement typically happen in the late summer or early fall, about five to six months before the Super Bowl itself. This gives everyone just enough time to begin the monumental task of building a legendary performance from the ground up.
What Makes a Halftime Performance Truly Unforgettable?
Beyond the star’s name, the real magic of a halftime show starts with the songs. The performance is a sprint, not a marathon, cramming a career’s worth of anthems into just 13 minutes. The goal is to create the world’s biggest sing-along, where millions of viewers at home can connect with the energy in the stadium. A setlist packed with universally known hits is the essential foundation for any show that hopes to become a classic.
Of course, a great playlist isn’t enough to captivate over 100 million people. The performance must also be a visual spectacle. This is where the stunning choreography, dazzling light shows, and massive, intricate stages come into play. These moments are designed to create iconic images that last for decades, like Prince performing “Purple Rain” in an actual downpour or Lady Gaga seemingly leaping from the stadium roof. It’s this commitment to grand-scale artistry that elevates the show from a simple concert to a major cultural event.
But the truly legendary performances often have one more secret ingredient: the ‘viral moment.’ This is the single, unpredictable detail that everyone is talking about the next day, dominating social media and morning news shows. It can be a surprise guest artist, a powerful political statement, or something completely unexpected—like the famously out-of-sync “Left Shark” dancer who stole the show during Katy Perry’s performance. This one memorable element can define the entire show in the public’s memory.
When a performance combines a powerhouse setlist, a stunning visual spectacle, and one of these unforgettable moments, it enters the history books. This formula for creating a cultural landmark is the challenge every artist faces. For 2026, that incredible task will unfold on a brand new stage.
The Stage is Set: Where is Super Bowl 2026?
The grand stage for the 2026 championship will be in sunny Santa Clara, California, at the state-of-the-art Levi’s Stadium. This game also marks a major milestone—the 60th Super Bowl. You’ll see it officially called Super Bowl LX, as the NFL uses Roman numerals for its title games (L is the Roman numeral for 50, and X is 10).
For Levi’s Stadium, this isn’t its first time in the global spotlight. The venue was also the Super Bowl LX host city and stadium for Super Bowl 50 back in 2016, a memorable show that featured Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars. Returning to this familiar stage a decade later adds a special sense of history to the upcoming performance.
Being in the heart of Silicon Valley, the home of the world’s biggest tech innovators, raises expectations for the show itself. Many are wondering if we will see a performance that uses cutting-edge technology or augmented reality in brand new ways. No matter what unfolds, seeing the spectacle happen at the Super Bowl 2026 location will be a major highlight of the year.
How to Watch the 2026 Halftime Show From Anywhere
You don’t need to be a football fan to get excited for the halftime show. But have you ever wondered why the Super Bowl seems to be on a different channel each year? The broadcast rights actually rotate between the major networks—CBS, NBC, and FOX. Whichever network is airing the game is also your home for the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Once the official network is announced, you’ll have several easy options to tune in. Here’s how to watch the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show online or on your screen:
- Live on Broadcast TV: The simplest way is to watch on the designated network, which will be announced closer to the event.
- Live via Streaming: You can stream the show through the network’s official app or on live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV.
- On-Demand Replay: If you just want to see the performance, you can watch the halftime show free and without commercials. The NFL posts the full show to its official YouTube channel almost immediately after it airs.
With so many ways to view the performance, there’s no reason to miss the spectacular moment. The only question left is the most important one of all: who will get the honor of performing on that global stage?
Who Will Get the Call for Super Bowl 60?
The formula behind the biggest decision in music is clear: the chosen performer will need massive global appeal, a deep catalog of hits, and the showmanship to captivate over 100 million people. The Super Bowl halftime show fan favorites represent the artists at the peak of their power, but the final choice will come down to who can deliver a truly iconic cultural moment.
Considering the potential for unforgettable 2026 halftime show setlist possibilities and potential 2026 halftime show guest appearances, the speculation is more exciting than ever. Now that the criteria are clear, who is your dream performer for the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show?
