When the Super Bowl Halftime Show rolls around, it’s not just about football; it’s about the music, the spectacle, and who gets the spotlight. So when fans and insiders alike assumed Taylor Swift was locked in for the 2026 halftime show, it seemed like a done deal. But now, an unexpected twist has left NFL execs pointing fingers.
This isn’t just about celebrity gossip; it’s about a behind-the-scenes power move that’s now making major waves in the world of music, sports, and hip-hop. At the center of it all is Jay-Z, Roc Nation, and a decision that allegedly blindsided even the NFL itself.
So, what really happened? Why was Taylor Swift never formally asked to headline? And how did Bad Bunny become the face of next year’s halftime show instead? Let’s break it all down, and why this story matters far beyond just halftime.
NFL insiders call out Jay-Z after Taylor Swift halftime snub
Sources close to the NFL told ShuterScoop that league executives are “furious” with Jay-Z and Roc Nation after discovering Taylor Swift was never officially offered the Super Bowl Halftime Show — despite widespread rumors suggesting she was the top pick.
“Everyone inside the NFL thought Taylor was officially offered the gig,” one insider revealed. “But there was never a real offer, just some light chatter.”
Instead, it turns out Jay-Z had another name in mind from the start: Bad Bunny. The Latin rap icon was reportedly Jay’s top choice all along, as he believed Bad Bunny would bring more international energy and cultural reach to the show.
The backlash behind closed doors is real. League insiders claim the NFL feels misled and “humiliated” after months of speculation and headlines hyping Swift as the frontrunner.
“They look like amateurs,” another source told #ShuterScoop. “The rumor ran wild, and Jay let it.”
Though Roc Nation was polite in its conversations with Swift’s team, insiders say Jay-Z never treated it as a serious offer. The issue wasn’t just about miscommunication; it’s the optics. With Swift being one of the biggest global pop stars, the NFL’s credibility took a hit when the truth came out.
Taylor Swift breaks silence on the Super Bowl drama
While the NFL may be frustrated, Swift doesn’t seem fazed. Between her record-breaking Life of a Showgirl release and her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce, she’s clearly booked and unbothered.
Speaking on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Taylor addressed the buzz:
“Jay-Z has always been very good to me. Our teams are very close. They sometimes will call and say, ‘How does she feel about?’ and that’s not like an official offer or, like, an official conference room conversation.”
She also laughed off talk about performance footage rights, saying:
“We’re always able to tell him the truth … I am in love with a guy who does that sport.”
As rap and hip-hop continue to dominate major stages, the decision to spotlight Bad Bunny isn’t entirely surprising. But the handling of Swift’s involvement, or lack thereof, is clearly ruffling feathers within the NFL. With Jay-Z at the helm of Roc Nation’s partnership with the league, this story is far from over.