Former NFL star Antonio Brown stirred controversy by claiming on X that Jay-Z, through Roc Nation, controls the selection process for the Super Bowl halftime show. Following the NFL’s announcement that Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium, Brown tweeted, “Barack Obama’s best friend Jay-Z runs the Super Bowl selection process through his company Roc Nation… This is who chooses the halftime show, the most-watched musical performance in America.”
Bad Bunny, in contrast, framed his performance as a historic milestone. “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” he said. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could score a touchdown. This is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.” His words highlight the cultural significance of Latin representation.
Barack Obama’s best friend Jay-Z runs the Super Bowl selection process through his company Roc Nation which has an exclusive contract with the NFL. This is who chooses the halftime show, the most-watched musical performance in America
— AB (@AB84) September 29, 2025Jay-Z’s Role in Halftime Selection
Since 2019, Jay-Z has served as the NFL’s “live music entertainment strategist,” with Roc Nation co-producing halftime shows. Producer Jesse Collins noted, “It’s a decision that Jay makes… he’s always picked right.” While some analysts argue that host cities and stakeholders influence choices, Jay-Z’s clout is undeniable, fueling scrutiny over the selection process for the NFL’s 120 million-viewer event..
Brown’s claim amplifies ongoing debates about NFL halftime decisions. While some suggest the NFL provides a shortlist, Jay-Z’s access to artists and league ties grants significant influence. Bad Bunny’s selection, announced by the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation, underscores his global appeal, with 60 million monthly Spotify listeners.
Read: Bad Bunny to Headline Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, Sparks Fan Debate
The controversy, engaging 65% of NFL fans on social media (Statista, 2025), merges music, power, and cultural identity. Bad Bunny’s performance as a Latin artist on the Super Bowl stage marks a historic moment, while Brown’s allegations raise questions about transparency in one of the world’s biggest entertainment platforms.
