Rumors about Adele performing at the Super Bowl are swirling again, but the real story isn’t quite so simple. The British singer’s history with the NFL’s biggest stage stretches back years.
Adele is reportedly in talks to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, but neither the NFL nor Adele herself have confirmed anything official.
This isn’t the first time Adele’s name has come up in Super Bowl conversations. In 2016, she told fans at a Los Angeles concert that she had turned down the opportunity to perform at Super Bowl LI.
She said the show wasn’t really about music and joked that she couldn’t dance. Lady Gaga ended up taking the stage that year instead.
The latest speculation comes from reports that Adele has been approached by the NFL to perform at Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026. But as always, being approached isn’t the same as saying yes or being officially booked.
Key Takeaways
- Adele is reportedly in talks for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show but nothing’s official yet
- She turned down the Super Bowl in 2016, saying the show wasn’t about music
- Several artists are being considered for 2026, with no final decision announced
Adele’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Talks
Adele is reportedly in discussions to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performance in Santa Clara, California. Roc Nation and Jay-Z are involved in the selection process for this massive entertainment event.
Current Status of Negotiations
NFL insiders say Adele has been approached to headline the 2026 halftime show at Levi’s Stadium. Apparently, she’s the top choice right now.
But so far, there’s no formal agreement between Adele and the NFL. The talks are still in early days, and other artists are in the running too.
Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus are also rumored contenders for the halftime slot. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called Swift “a special, special talent” and said she could perform “at any time without any problem.”
The selection process is pretty complicated, honestly. Artists have to coordinate with production teams, sponsors, and juggle all the logistics for a show that’s watched by millions.
Adele’s Previous Super Bowl Offer
Adele turned down a Super Bowl halftime show opportunity back in 2017. She told a Los Angeles audience in 2016 that the show was “not about music.”
She was honest about her style, saying, “I can’t dance or anything like that,” as she told the crowd.
Back then, both the NFL and Pepsi said there was no formal offer on the table, which contradicted Adele’s public comments. It’s a little murky, isn’t it?
Despite all that, Adele’s shown up at recent Super Bowls as a fan. She watched Rihanna’s 2023 performance and joked that she “didn’t go for the football at all.”
Role of Roc Nation and Jay-Z in the Selection
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation is the official producer of the Super Bowl halftime show. They took over production duties from the NFL in 2019.
Commissioner Goodell says Jay-Z has the final say. When asked about Taylor Swift, Goodell said the choice was “still up to Jay-Z.”
Roc Nation has changed how the halftime show gets booked. They focus on A-list artists who can create memorable moments for a global audience.
The company handles everything: artist negotiations, stage design, choreography, and all the technical details for the 12-minute show.
Santa Clara’s Significance as Host
The 2026 Super Bowl is happening at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Super Bowl LX lands there in February 2026.
Levi’s Stadium last hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016, with Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars lighting up the halftime stage.
The California location is a big plus for major artists. The venue has top-notch facilities and it’s close to the heart of the entertainment industry.
Key venue features:
- 68,500 seating capacity
- Cutting-edge lighting and sound systems
- Multiple backstage areas for artists
- Close to the San Francisco Bay Area
The stadium’s tech setup supports big, elaborate halftime productions. Artists can go wild with staging, pyrotechnics, and special effects if they want.
Potential Candidates and Industry Reactions
Several big-name artists are in the mix for the 2026 halftime show. Taylor Swift leads the betting odds, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is openly enthusiastic about her joining. Miley Cyrus is also in the conversation, and Adele’s sports-world connections make her a unique contender.
Taylor Swift’s Connection and Consideration
Taylor Swift seems to be the frontrunner for the halftime show. Surveys put Swift as the most wanted headliner with 12.01% of votes, making her a clear fan favorite.
Commissioner Goodell has said he’d love to see Swift perform. He told NBC’s Today show that Swift “is a special, special talent, and obviously she would be welcome at any time.”
Pressed for details, Goodell stayed diplomatic but sounded hopeful. He called Swift’s participation “a maybe” and reminded everyone that Jay-Z’s Roc Nation would make the final call.
Swift’s relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has put her even more in the NFL spotlight. She’s become a fixture at Chiefs games, and her presence hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans or the league.
The timing could be just right, honestly. Her high-profile romance has already made her a regular at NFL events.
Miley Cyrus Rumors and Candidacy
Miley Cyrus is another name that keeps popping up for the halftime show. Reports say she’s being considered along with Swift and Adele.
The “Party in the U.S.A.” singer has never done a Super Bowl halftime show. If she gets the gig, it would definitely be something new for the lineup.
Industry sources have mentioned Cyrus in headliner discussions. Her inclusion shows the NFL is open to different musical styles and generations.
Cyrus brings a different kind of energy. Her pop-rock vibe and stage presence could make for a pretty wild halftime experience.
The fact that she’s in the running shows the NFL isn’t afraid to shake things up with their artist choices.
Public and Industry Insights
Public polling shows strong preferences for the 2026 halftime performer. Here’s how the top contenders stack up:
Top Survey Results:
- Taylor Swift: 12.01% of votes
- Adele: 10.12% of votes
- Billie Eilish: 8.95% of votes
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation works closely with the NFL on the selection. Goodell has said the final decision “is in his hands,” meaning Jay-Z calls the shots.
Insiders keep speculating about who’ll get chosen. The official announcement usually comes in September, so there’s always a lot of buzz leading up to it.
Betting markets also favor Swift as the likely performer, which pretty much matches what fans seem to want.
Adele’s Relationships and Background
Adele’s connections in the sports world give her a unique perspective. Her fiancé Rich Paul is one of the biggest agents in sports, so she’s got an insider’s look at professional athletics.
She’s gone to Super Bowl games as a fan. At her Las Vegas residency, she talked about attending the 2023 game just to see Rihanna’s halftime show.
Adele was totally candid with her Vegas crowd: “I went just for Rihanna. I don’t give a flying f–k” about the football itself.
She’s also defended Taylor Swift against NFL fan criticism. During her “Weekends With Adele” shows, she told Swift’s critics to “get a f—king life, that’s her f—king boyfriend.”
Her Vegas residency has become a platform for her honest takes on sports and the NFL. She seems pretty comfortable talking football with her audience, even if she’s not there for the game.
And with Rich Paul’s experience, Adele gets a behind-the-scenes view of what goes into these huge events.
Frequently Asked Questions
People have a lot of questions about Adele and the Super Bowl halftime show. The curiosity usually centers on her past comments, how artists get picked, and what performing at the Super Bowl really means.
Has Adele ever performed at the Super Bowl halftime show?
Nope, Adele’s never done the Super Bowl halftime show. She’s been linked to it a few times, but she’s never taken the stage.
In 2016, Adele told a Los Angeles crowd she turned down the gig for the 2017 Super Bowl. She said the show is not about music and joked about not being able to dance.
However, the NFL and Pepsi denied her claim at the time. They said they’d talked to several artists but hadn’t formally offered the job to anyone.
What are the reasons that artists may decline to perform at the Super Bowl?
Artists sometimes turn down Super Bowl performances for creative or personal reasons. The show just doesn’t fit everyone’s style or strengths.
Adele specifically said she can’t dance and felt the show isn’t really about music. She didn’t think it would highlight what she does best.
Others might say no because of packed schedules, political concerns, or simply the huge pressure. The halftime show demands a lot—there’s intense choreography and wild production, which isn’t for everyone.
Who selects the performers for the Super Bowl halftime show?
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation partners with the NFL to pick the halftime performer. Roc Nation has a lot of sway in this process.
They usually announce the act in September, months before the February game. Sponsors and other stakeholders get involved in the talks, too.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has even admitted that he works closely with Jay-Z and Roc Nation to make the final call.
What has Adele said about performing at large-scale events like the Super Bowl?
Adele’s made it clear she doesn’t think the Super Bowl is about music. She mentioned she can’t dance, and that’s a dealbreaker for her.
She’d rather sing in smaller venues where she can really connect with people. Her Vegas residency and tours focus on her voice, not flashy choreography or huge set pieces.
When Adele went to the Super Bowl in 2023, she joked she wasn’t there for the football. She just wanted to see Rihanna’s halftime show, honestly.
How does the Super Bowl halftime show impact an artist’s career?
The Super Bowl halftime show gives artists massive exposure—we’re talking over 100 million viewers worldwide. That kind of spotlight can seriously boost album sales, streaming, and ticket demand.
Performers often notice their music blowing up right after the show. It’s a pop culture moment that can stick with them for years.
But let’s be real, it also brings a ton of scrutiny. Millions of people and media outlets pick apart every detail, which can be nerve-wracking.
Have there been any artists who regretted performing at the Super Bowl?
Some artists have definitely run into challenges or stirred up controversy after their Super Bowl sets. Technical glitches, wardrobe mishaps, and even a cold audience can end up stealing the spotlight from the music itself.
Janet Jackson’s 2004 performance, for example, sparked a wave of backlash that really changed her career. That incident put future halftime shows under a microscope, and honestly, it’s still a hot topic.
Other performers have admitted they felt conflicted about the whole thing after the fact. All that pressure and nonstop prep? It can suck the fun out of what should be a once-in-a-lifetime gig.
