UPDATE: In a surprising twist, the NFL confirms that Taylor Swift will NOT be performing at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. Instead, popular artist Bad Bunny has been announced as the headline performer for the event at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026.
Months of speculation fueled by social media chatter surrounding Swift’s potential appearance have been officially debunked by NFL insiders. Reports indicate that there was never any serious consideration for Swift to take the stage. An insider disclosed to Rob Shuter that the NFL “never had a single serious conversation” with Swift, emphasizing that “it was never going to be her in 2026.”
The source highlighted that the rampant rumors were purely “fan-driven, not fact,” dispelling any assumptions of negotiations between Swift and the league.
“She didn’t call the NFL, and they didn’t call her. She’s focused on her new album and her wedding. She didn’t want them, and they didn’t want her this year,”
the insider stated.
Despite earlier reports suggesting that Swift might have walked away following disagreements over performance conditions, the current narrative indicates otherwise. Sources previously claimed that Swift sought full ownership over her performance and advertising inventory to promote her own projects.
“They expect the biggest artists in the world to do it for ‘exposure.’ Taylor Swift doesn’t need exposure,” an industry insider remarked, underscoring her significant market value as an artist. The same source added, “She wanted a deal that reflected her value.”
The announcement comes just as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell generated buzz regarding the halftime show during a recent “Today” show appearance, later deferring to Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation is responsible for overseeing the Super Bowl halftime productions.
As fans eagerly await the Super Bowl, attention now turns to Bad Bunny, who has been confirmed as the performer of choice for this year’s event. Will he deliver a groundbreaking performance? This question looms large as the NFL prepares for one of the biggest spectacles in sports.
Stay tuned for further updates as we track developments leading up to this highly anticipated event.