101 Super Bowl Halftime Show Performers That Should Be Considered

The Super Bowl halftime show has become as much a cultural phenomenon as the game itself. From Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking 1993 performance, which changed everything, to Prince’s iconic “Purple Rain” in Miami, to Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying 2025 showcase in New Orleans. The halftime stage has hosted some of music’s most significant moments. But here’s the thing: for every legendary performance we remember, dozens of superstars have never stepped onto that coveted stage.

Think about it. The NFL has been playing the Super Bowl since 1967, yet only a select few artists have been chosen to headline one of the most-watched entertainment events on the planet. With over 100 million viewers tuning in each year, you’d think the league would have exhausted every A-list option by now. You’d be wrong.

Some of the world’s biggest touring acts, Grammy winners, and chart-topping artists have somehow never received the call. Drake, despite being one of the most-streamed artists of all time, may not be interested after last year lol. Metallica, who’ve been selling out stadiums for four decades, hasn’t cut. Foo Fighters, Guns N’ Roses, and Pearl Jam, all rock legends who could absolutely deliver a stadium-worthy performance, remain on the sidelines. Even pop powerhouses like Adele, Ariana Grande, and Billie Eilish have yet to take center stage at halftime.

The selection process for Super Bowl halftime performers has always been somewhat mysterious. Since partnering with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019, the NFL has leaned heavily into hip-hop and contemporary pop, featuring shows from artists such as The Weeknd, Rihanna, and Usher.

Update: Bad Bunny is set to headline the 2026 show in Santa Clara, marking a historic moment for Latin music. Don’t get me wrong, I think Bad Bunny will do great. This article presents a list of ideas for future artists to host the Super Bowl halftime show and is not intended to criticize this year’s artist or stir the pot. If you’re upset about Bad Bunny, you seriously need to chill out.

This list isn’t just about who’s missing, it’s about who could be there.

I’ve compiled 101 artists across every genre who are actively touring, recording, and ready to deliver the kind of show-stopping performance that defines a generation. From arena rock titans to country superstars, from hip-hop innovators to pop icons, these are the artists who deserve their moment in the spotlight.

So whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a music enthusiast, or someone who only tunes in for the halftime show, buckle up. Here are 101 performers who should absolutely be considered for future Super Bowl halftime shows.

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Rock/Alternative

The Super Bowl halftime show’s shift away from rock music tells the story of changing demographics and evolving business strategies. Following a golden era from 2005 to 2010 that featured artists such as Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and The Who, the NFL made a calculated pivot toward pop and hip-hop.

The numbers explain a lot. Rock music’s share of total music consumption has steadily declined from nearly 40% in the early 2000s to less than 15% today. Meanwhile, hip-hop has become America’s most popular genre, while pop music dominates streaming platforms, where younger audiences are more prevalent. The NFL isn’t chasing nostalgia—they’re chasing eyeballs, specifically those aged 18-34.

Since partnering with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019, the league has embraced contemporary hitmakers who dominate TikTok, Instagram, and viral moments. The Weeknd, Rihanna, and Usher delivered shows that generated billions of social media impressions. Their performances weren’t just watched—they were shared, memed, and discussed for weeks.

Rock bands also present a practical challenge: their appeal tends to skew older, and their biggest hits often date back decades. The NFL wants artists who can deliver a spectacle that feels current, not a greatest hits reunion tour. Until rock reclaims its mainstream dominance, expect the halftime stage to remain firmly planted in pop and hip-hop territory. Still, I’d like to see they shake things up for a year.

Foo Fighters
Metallica
Linkin Park
Journey
Pearl Jam
Guns N’ Roses
Imagine Dragons
Twenty One Pilots
The Killers
Muse
Arctic Monkeys
Paramore
Fall Out Boy
Blink-182
Rage Against the Machine
Cage the Elephant
Weezer
My Chemical Romance
The Smashing Pumpkins
The Strokes

Rock/Alternative

Green Day
Def Leppard
Bon Jovi
Fleetwood Mac
AC/DC

Pop

Ariana Grande
Dua Lipa
Harry Styles
Billie Eilish
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Olivia Rodrigo
Demi Lovato
Selena Gomez
Camila Cabello
Shawn Mendes
Miley Cyrus
John Legend
Kelly Clarkson
Pink
Avril Lavigne
Sia
Halsey
Sabrina Carpenter
Chappell Roan
Adele

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Hip-Hop/Rap

Drake
Post Malone
Tyler, The Creator
Lil Wayne
Nicki Minaj
Future
21 Savage
J. Cole
Cardi B
Megan Thee Stallion
Lil Baby
DaBaby
Offset
Gunna
Polo G
Nas
A$AP Rocky
Kodak Black
NBA YoungBoy
Lil Durk

R&B/Soul

Miguel
Khalid
Bryson Tiller
Summer Walker
Jazmine Sullivan
Jhené Aiko
Normani
Brent Faiyaz

Country

Despite country music’s massive popularity in America, the genre has been virtually shut out of Super Bowl halftime shows. The reason? Geography, demographics, and the NFL’s obsession with coastal appeal.

Country music dominates in the South, Midwest, and rural markets, but the Super Bowl halftime show isn’t designed for regional appeal. It’s built for global spectacle. The NFL wants artists who resonate in New York, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo. Country legends like Garth Brooks and Luke Combs sell out stadiums across America, but their international recognition pales compared to pop and hip-hop superstars.

The numbers are staggering. Garth Brooks is the best-selling solo artist in U.S. history with over 160 million albums sold, yet he’s never received the halftime call. Morgan Wallen dominated the charts in 2023 and 2024, but controversies aside, his brand of country doesn’t fit the NFL’s carefully curated image of diversity and inclusivity.

There’s also a perception problem. Country music, fairly or not, gets pigeonholed as too “American” for an event the NFL markets worldwide. The league prefers universal themes and sounds that translate across cultures. Until country artists achieve the kind of crossover success that makes them household names globally, like Taylor Swift did before leaving the genre, expect the halftime stage to remain country-free territory. The easy fix is you team a country singer up with a rock band… everybody is happy.