The halftime show 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated live performances in years. With the 60th Super Bowl (Super Bowl LX) taking place on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, fans across the country are eagerly waiting to see which artist will headline the world’s biggest stage.
This year’s event will celebrate six decades of Super Bowl history — and the NFL is preparing to make it one of the most spectacular halftime shows ever.
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Where It’s Happening
Super Bowl 2026 marks a return to Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, nearly ten years after the venue last hosted the game in 2016. That year, Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars delivered a legendary joint performance that set a new standard for halftime entertainment.
Now, as the NFL returns to Silicon Valley for the milestone 60th Super Bowl, fans can expect the halftime show to combine world-class music with cutting-edge technology. The production team is reportedly planning advanced drone displays, high-definition lighting effects, and interactive visuals designed to immerse both the live audience and millions watching from home.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
- Broadcast: FOX
- Streaming: Apple TV+ and NFL+
Apple Music continues as the official sponsor of the halftime show for the fourth consecutive year. The show will once again be produced in partnership with Roc Nation, the entertainment company led by Jay-Z. Together, they’ve transformed the Super Bowl halftime experience into a global cultural moment that goes beyond sports.
Who Will Perform?
As of late November 2025, the NFL has not officially announced the performer for the 2026 halftime show. However, preparations are already underway, with stage layouts, choreography plans, and visual concepts being finalized.
While the league keeps its headliner a closely guarded secret, fans and industry insiders have plenty of clues about potential performers based on touring schedules and public buzz.
Some of the names currently being discussed include:
- Taylor Swift – After completing her record-breaking Eras Tour, Swift remains one of the most popular and globally recognized artists. Many fans hope 2026 will finally be her year.
- Drake – With a strong catalog of hits and his dominance in streaming, Drake could bring high-energy performances and collaborations to the Super Bowl stage.
- Bad Bunny – A global superstar and a voice for Latin music, Bad Bunny’s appearance would mark another step in the NFL’s push toward greater cultural diversity.
- Dua Lipa – Known for her energetic performances and international fanbase, she’s another strong contender for a visually stunning halftime production.
The official performer is typically revealed between December and January, and the announcement is expected to dominate entertainment headlines when it drops.
A Look Back at Recent Shows
To understand how much pressure this year’s headliner will face, it helps to remember how incredible recent halftime performances have been.
| Year | Location | Performer(s) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | New Orleans, LA | Rihanna | Jay-Z surprise guest; record-breaking audience |
| 2024 | Las Vegas, NV | Usher | Alicia Keys and Ludacris joined for medley |
| 2023 | Glendale, AZ | Rihanna | Stunning solo set and viral pregnancy reveal |
| 2022 | Los Angeles, CA | Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar | Iconic West Coast tribute |
| 2021 | Tampa, FL | The Weeknd | Cinematic visuals and viral choreography |
Each performance has built on the last — combining powerful vocals, visual storytelling, and unforgettable stagecraft. That growing tradition raises expectations for 2026, especially as it coincides with the Super Bowl’s 60th anniversary.
Why Levi’s Stadium Is the Perfect Venue
Levi’s Stadium offers one of the most advanced technological setups in sports. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, it’s designed for large-scale multimedia productions and sustainable energy use.
With a capacity of nearly 70,000 fans, the stadium is expected to host one of the largest live audiences in Super Bowl history. Its open design and cutting-edge LED systems make it ideal for drone displays, interactive lighting, and complex stage transitions — all essential elements of modern halftime shows.
Fans attending the event can expect a mix of entertainment and innovation, blending California’s creative culture with the NFL’s unmatched production scale.
How the Halftime Show Comes Together
Pulling off the halftime show is one of the most logistically challenging live productions in the world. The crew has less than eight minutes to build the stage and another few minutes to clear it — all while ensuring flawless audio, video, and lighting coordination.
Behind the scenes, over 400 crew members and dozens of choreographers, camera operators, and sound engineers work in perfect synchronization. Every camera angle, lighting cue, and firework is timed to the millisecond.
For 2026, insiders say new augmented reality visuals will be integrated into the broadcast, giving at-home viewers an enhanced, multi-layered experience. The performance is also expected to include real-time audience participation using mobile light displays and stadium-wide color effects.
The Global Reach of the Event
The Super Bowl halftime show isn’t just a concert — it’s the most-watched live music event in the world. Last year, the show attracted over 125 million viewers, surpassing most major entertainment broadcasts combined.
Streaming numbers are expected to rise again in 2026, with expanded international coverage and interactive features on Apple platforms.
For artists, performing at the halftime show is career-defining. After Rihanna’s 2023 performance, her streaming numbers jumped nearly 400% in a single week. Usher’s 2024 set pushed his classic album Confessions back into the Billboard Top 10, two decades after its release.
Whoever headlines in 2026 will instantly join an elite group of global icons who have turned the halftime stage into a career milestone.
Fan Excitement Builds Online
Across social media, fans are buzzing with speculation and wish lists for who they’d like to see on stage. Hashtags like #HalftimeShow2026 and #SuperBowlLX are trending weeks ahead of the announcement.
Many hope for big collaborations — perhaps multiple artists representing different genres, similar to the 2022 ensemble performance. Others are calling for nostalgic acts that could bring back early 2000s hits.
No matter the final lineup, fans can count on one thing: a show designed to unite millions in a single, unforgettable moment.
The Legacy of the Super Bowl Halftime
From Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance that redefined the event to modern-era productions blending technology and art, the halftime show has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. It’s not just entertainment — it’s a snapshot of American music and creativity at its peak.
The 2026 edition will mark a full circle for Levi’s Stadium, returning to the same venue where one of the greatest halftime performances of the modern era took place in 2016. Ten years later, the NFL aims to outdo even that moment.
The countdown to Super Bowl 2026 is officially underway, and with it, the excitement for the halftime performance that will captivate millions. Who do you hope to see headline next February? Share your predictions in the comments and join the conversation as the biggest show in sports and music approaches.