With Taylor Swift once again dominating headlines – both in music and in the NFL world – speculation is already mounting that she could headline next year’s Super Bowl LXI halftime show.
The buzz comes just days after Bad Bunny delivered a history-making performance at Super Bowl LX, joined on stage by Lady Gaga, Pedro Pascal, Ricky Martin, Jessica Alba, Karol G and Cardi B. But even as fans continue to dissect that all-Spanish celebration of Latin culture, attention has quickly shifted to who might follow – and Swift’s name sits firmly at the top of the wish list.
According to an insider cited by the Daily Mail, the NFL would eagerly welcome Swift to football’s biggest stage, particularly given her high-profile relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
“Taylor is always someone the NFL wants for the halftime show,” the source said, emphasizing that the ultimate decision rests solely with the global superstar.
“Everyone will drop what they are doing and whoever they have asked if Taylor wants to do it. If she wants to do it, she will do it,” the source added. “It is as simple as that. But there are a handful of reasons she will not be doing it next year.”
Why Taylor Swift may wait
Despite the excitement, several factors could delay Swift’s potential halftime debut. Next year’s Super Bowl is scheduled for February 14 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles – Valentine’s Day – which reportedly complicates matters.
The insider claims Swift would prefer to attend the game in support of Kelce if he were playing rather than perform herself. There is also speculation she would rather wait until Kelce’s career is officially over before taking center stage at the Super Bowl.
“If she were to also do it in the future, she would want Travis to be retired,” the source is quoted as saying.
Swift, whose Eras Tour surpassed $2 billion in ticket sales, doesn’t necessarily need the halftime spotlight to cement her legacy. Still, the performance is widely viewed as a career-defining moment – one she may choose to pursue after achieving personal milestones such as marriage and starting a family.
Location could also play a role. While Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is slated to host in 2028 and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas is expected to follow, Swift is reportedly intrigued by the possibility of performing in Nashville, where her career first took off. With the Tennessee Titans preparing to open a new stadium in 2027, Music City could eventually enter the Super Bowl hosting rotation.
For now, the NFL – alongside Roc Nation and Apple Music, who oversee halftime production – will begin early outreach to potential performers in late spring before narrowing negotiations over the summer.
Who else could headline the 2027 halftime show?
Although Swift is considered the dream scenario, other major acts have surfaced in early discussions. The Backstreet Boys have reportedly thrown their name into consideration, while betting markets have pointed to Miley Cyrus as a strong contender.
Insiders suggest, however, that neither currently leads the race. Following Bad Bunny’s global impact, there has been talk of pivoting toward younger, more internationally diverse talent – potentially even incorporating a K-pop influence to expand the show’s worldwide reach.
Whoever ultimately lands the coveted slot will have enormous expectations to meet. But until Swift makes a definitive call, the league’s biggest “what if” remains centered around her.
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