Huge stars top rumoured list for Super Bowl Half-Time Show performer

Kendrick Lamar took on the honour in 2025

Author: Georgie HollandPublished 8th Feb 2025
Last updated 13th Feb 2025

Pretty much as soon as Usher stepped off the stage from his Super Bowl Half-Time show in 2024, rumours began to swirl of who would be given the honour in 2025. After a pretty strong list of contenders did the rounds - including names like Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift - it was 'Not Like Us' rapper Kendrick Lamar who took to the world-famous pitch.

Following Kendrick's 13-minute set on 9th February, which saw him perform tracks such as 'Humble', 'Euphoria', 'All the Stars' and the Grammy Award-winning 'Not Like Us', we're all back at it with pondering who the next superstar to headline the half-time show will be in 2026. From rumours about Harry Styles, to Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande and even Robbie Williams, some of the latest odds may surprise you, so check out the rumoured contenders below...

Take a look at the rumoured Super Bowl Half-Time show performers:

From artists that have been rumoured for years on end, to more fresh contenders, check out the most popular names in the running to perform during the Super Bowl Half-Time show 2026 - which is set to take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday 8th February.

Miley Cyrus

Topping the rumoured list is none other than 'Flowers' superstar Miley Cyrus. With odds at 8/11, that lands Miley at a 57.9% probability of performing at the honourable event. Fans have shared their desire for Miley Cyrus to perform at the Half-Time show over the years, with a petition even circulating to get the 'Flowers' singer to perform at the 2023 show. Rumours that Miley might perform in 2024 did do the rounds, with the Pop Tingz account sharing: 'Miley Cyrus is rumoured to be in talks to perform at the upcoming SuperBowl halftime show.'


In 2021, Miley was involved in the TikTok Tailgate Super Bowl event. She tweeted: 'SUPERBOWL LV!! I'll be there for TIKTOK TAILGATE!!! I can't wait to put on a show for the NFL's honored guests before the game...Health care workers from Tampa and around the country!' (sic)

Taylor Swift

Many fans hoped that Taylor Swift could perform at the Super Bowl Half-Time show. TMZ reported that the 'Anti-Hero' hitmaker was offered the chance to perform at the sports event in 2024, but turned it down - although fans were ecstatic to see her at the game supporting her boyfriend, Chiefs player Travis Kelce. For the 2025 show, Taylor found herself with even odds, with 50% probability of her landing the slot. Fingers crossed for 2026.


Despite this, according to a source, Taylor has no plans to perform at the Super Bowl until she has finished re-recording her first six albums following a rights dispute. It was then reported in August 2023 that although Taylor has reportedly been reached out to "a handful of times" by the prestigious event, she is in "no rush". A source close to her said that on top of re-recording her albums: "Taylor is busy with her current tour, she has zero time to prepare a Super Bowl show, she will do it eventually, but she is in no rush at all to do it in Vegas or do it in the next couple of years."

Lil Wayne

With a reported 33.3% probability of performing the Superbowl Half-Time Show in 2025, Lil Wayne also had odds of 2/1 in July 2024. With numerous X users expressing their desire to see the 'How To Love' rapper take the slot next year, it's fair to say he has a large catalogue of hit songs to wow the crowds at the upcoming game.

Billie Eilish

From her groundbreaking debut album, which spawned hits like 'Bad Guy' and 'Bury A Friend', to her Number 1 second AND third albums 'Happier Than Ever' and 'Hit Me Hard and Soft', it comes as no surprise that Billie Eilish also joins the running when it comes to speculation over the Superbowl Half-Time Show performer for 2026, with odds of 3/1 in 2025.

Ed Sheeran

With 14 Number 1 singles in the UK alone under his belt, we wouldn't blame you for thinking that the almighty Ed Sheeran would be a top contender for the famous Super Bowl Half-Time show. Although this would be epic, the 'Shape Of You' singer spoke out in August 2023, saying he 'can't' and won't be doing the show, claiming: "I think it's an American thing. I don't have pizazz."


Could he change his mind for 2026? We reckon never say never! Check out what else he had to say about the idea here!

Ariana Grande

Could the incredible Ariana Grande perform next year? Many fans have already shared their hopes for the singer to perform at the iconic sporting event, with her odds in 2025 landing on 7/1.
As we all know, Ari is currently busy with commitments for the Wicked movie, where she plays the role of Glinda - although 2024 did mark her epic return to music. On top of her brand new music, and a busy schedule in the lead-up to the film's second release, the singer has teased a 'mini little sampling of shows' to serve as an 'Eternal Sunshine' tour - which, some could say, would warm her up nicely for the Superbowl Half-Time Show 2025!

Adele

In what would most certainly be a show to remember, 'Hello' megastar Adele has also found herself in the list of rumoured contenders. With viral clips circulating of her epic Weekends with Adele residency in Las Vegas, it comes as no surprise that fans are keen to see her perform during the Half-Time show - with odds of 8/1 last year.

Harry Styles

Rumours that former One Direction singer Harry Styles could be performing at the Super Bowl Half-Time show began to circulate on Twitter in June 2023, much to the delight of fans. Independent American football news account _MLFootball were the first to share the rumour. The account wrote: 'There's been a lot of chatter that multiple-time GRAMMY award winner and former One Direction star Harry Styles will be the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show Performer.'


Despite this, Harry ultimately did not perform at the show in 2025 - so, could he be eyeing up the 2026 show?

Robbie Williams

Following a cheeky tweet to 'troll' his fans, none other than 'Better Man' and 'Rock DJ' superstar Robbie Williams has found himself topping the rumoured performers list. On 12th February 2025, just days after Kendrick Lamar took to the pitch to perform his Half-Time set, Robbie took to X to write: 'OMG. I've just been asked to do next year's halftime at the Super Bowl. So honoured guys. Thank you 🤝🙌❤️'. Despite taking to the social platform a day later to confirm: 'I'm not doing the Super Bowl halftime show. I got bored and decided to get into trolling.', that didn't stop rumours beginning to swirl about the possibility of the record-breaking and award-winning artist taking to the pitch in 2026.

Lil Nas X

Could Lil Nas X perform at the next Half-Time show? Talk on the matter began a while back, when the 25-year-old rapper and singer appeared in a Doritos commercial during the 2020 Super Bowl.


Sharing their thoughts on Twitter, one fan said: 'I just know that one day Lil Nas X will perform at the Superbowl Half Time show and that it will be one of the best half time show performances in history. MARK MY WORDS.' (sic)


Fuelling fans' desires, in 2019 Lil Nas X tweeted: 'OLD TOWN ROAD SUPER BOWL 2020!' - so could next year be his time to shine?

Sam Smith

Before the 2024 Super Bowl, Sam Smith fans took to Twitter to express their desire for the 'Unholy' hitmaker to perform.


One excited fan said: 'SAM SMITH for Super Bowl 2024', whilst someone else added: 'I have a feeling Sam Smith will be next years Super Bowl halftime show.' (sic)


Sam has previously taken to Twitter to share their excitement over the Half-Time show performers. In 2013, they said: 'Physically holding my eye-lids open whilst watching the Superbowl. I will NOT miss Beyoncé!!' (sic)

Doja Cat

Having previously appeared in Super Bowl commercials, Doja Cat would be the perfect Half-Time performer! Fans have been very vocal in suggesting she would be the ideal choice. One person took to Twitter and said: 'DOJA CAT FOR THE SUPER BOWL 2024.' (sic)


Although she didn't bag the spot for the 2024 show, many fans have their fingers crossed for next year.

Coldplay

Coldplay performed at the Super Bowl Half-Time show in 2016, with Beyoncé and Bruno Mars joining the band as special guests. Although the NFL doesn't usually bring back past performers, artists such as Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Beyoncé have performed more than once.


So could Coldplay perform at the Super Bowl again? It's fair to say the band have been wowing audiences on their 'Music of the Spheres' tour, as they deliver spectacular concerts full of special effects and incredible Xyloband displays - the perfect interlude during a football game!

July 2024 odds data has been provided by Gambling.com.

Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Half-Time show 2025

On 9th February 2025, off the back of an incredibly successful sweep at the Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar took to the pitch at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Bringing us an epic 13-minute Half-Time performance, Kendrick performed his five-time Grammy Award-winning hit 'Not Like Us', along with other hits such as 'Humble' and his collab with SZA, 'Luther'.

Not only did he bring out SZA, but the crowed were gifted with an appearance from none other than Samuel L. Jackson, as well as Serena Williams. Watch his performance here.

Usher's 2024 Super Bowl Half-Time show

On 11th February 2024, we were gifted with a Half-Time performance headlined by 'Yeah' legend Usher. Bringing out special guests such as Alicia Keys, will. i. am., Ludacris and Lil Jon, it's fair to say the R&B icon gave us 13 minutes to remember.

Check out his performance, as well as everything else you could need to know - from the set-list to which other special guests featured in the show.

When did Rihanna perform the Half-Time show?

The 2023 Super Bowl Half-Time show, on 12th February 2023, was headlined by Rihanna, who wowed fans with an incredible set which featured hits including 'Diamonds', 'Umbrella' and 'Rude Boy.' The 35-year-old took to the stage for the first time in seven years, where she revealed she is expecting her second child.

Her show followed hip hop royalty taking to the stage for the Super Bowl Half-Time show in 2022 - with a star studded line-up of Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Dr Dre, Mary J Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent.

Now read:

Usher's Super Bowl Half-Time show: Look back at his iconic performance

Rihanna's Super Bowl Half-Time show: Look back at her show-stopping performance

Rihanna announces she's PREGNANT during Super Bowl Half-Time show

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