The race to headline the next Super Bowl halftime show is already heating up, and a familiar boy band just made its intentions crystal clear.
While names like Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Cardi B have dominated early betting odds and fan wish lists, the Backstreet Boys are now openly campaigning for the coveted slot.
The legendary pop group grabbed attention during Super Bowl weekend thanks to a widely discussed commercial appearance.
But for them, that cameo was only the beginning. During a recent performance at the Sphere in Las Vegas, AJ McLean took things a step further, directly addressing the possibility of headlining the 2027 Super Bowl halftime show.
Speaking to an energized crowd, McLean floated the idea of the band taking center stage at Super Bowl LXI. The audience’s reaction was immediate and overwhelming. After fans erupted in support, McLean responded enthusiastically: “Let’s make it happen then!”
It wasn’t the first time the NFL and the Backstreet Boys crossed paths. In fact, the league previously explored the idea more than two decades ago.
Back in 2001, the NFL reportedly approached the group about performing during halftime. At the time, however, they declined the offer and instead performed the national anthem.
Now, with nostalgia-driven tours thriving and legacy acts finding renewed popularity across streaming platforms, the timing may be better than ever.
The group’s residency-style shows in Las Vegas have drawn large audiences, and the Super Bowl stage has increasingly featured artists with cross-generational appeal.
A Valentine’s Day twist could shape the decision
The 2027 Super Bowl carries an added wrinkle: it is scheduled to fall on Valentine’s Day. That detail could influence both the NFL’s selection process and which artists are willing to commit.
A February 14 broadcast opens the door for a romantic or nostalgia-themed performance, something the Backstreet Boys could arguably deliver with a catalog that includes global hits like “I Want It That Way” and “As Long As You Love Me.”
Still, competition will be fierce. According to current betting markets in Las Vegas, Miley Cyrus is considered the early favorite to land the halftime gig.
Cardi B and Taylor Swift are also high on sportsbooks’ lists, reflecting their massive fan bases and recent chart dominance.
Swift, in particular, remains a popular fan suggestion after her record-breaking Eras Tour and deep ties to the NFL narrative in recent seasons.
Meanwhile, Cyrus has enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success with her latest music, and Cardi B’s high-energy stage presence would align with the spectacle the halftime show demands.
The Super Bowl halftime performance has evolved into one of the most influential stages in entertainment.
Recent years have seen star-studded collaborations and genre-spanning showcases designed to capture the attention of over 100 million viewers worldwide.
The NFL, working in partnership with Roc Nation in recent seasons, has emphasized cultural impact and global reach when selecting performers.
For the Backstreet Boys, the public push signals confidence that their enduring popularity still resonates. Whether nostalgia, contemporary chart power, or a genre-blending surprise ultimately wins out remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: the conversation has officially expanded. With Valentine’s Day as a backdrop and a lineup of heavyweight contenders, Super Bowl LXI’s halftime show is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in years.
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