Kid Rock Calls Out NFL For Jay-Z’s “DEI” Super Bowl 61 Halftime Show Decision [VIDEO]
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Kid Rock has criticized the NFL for choosing Jay-Z to perform the Super Bowl 61 halftime show in February 2027. The rock star openly questioned the league’s move, claiming that diversity, equity, and inclusion had something to do with the decision.
The NFL announced that Jay-Z will headline the halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, Feb. 14. The 25-time Grammy Award winner will perform on one of music’s biggest stages, with the show airing on ESPN, ABC, and Disney+.
Jay-Z welcomed the opportunity and reflected on his career, saying, “From Reasonable Doubt to standing on the Super Bowl Halftime stage, this has been a journey. Thirty years of music, work, and culture on the world’s biggest stage. This run continues to be a dream come true.”
The rapper just played at SoFi Stadium for his JAY-Z30 concert series. Now that he’s doing the halftime show, people are already guessing who might come out and perform with him.
Kid Rock Questions The NFL’s Decision To Choose Jay-Z
Kid Rock shared his criticism during an appearance on Fox News this week. The 55-year-old musician took issue with the NFL’s decision and questioned whether Jay-Z earned the opportunity on merit.
“Nothing against Jay-Z… But it seems like there’s a little bit of a DEI hire there going on,” Kid Rock said.
Kid Rock: “Nothing against Jay-Z… But it seems like there’s a little bit of a DEI hire there going on.” @Acyn (2026)
https://t.co/utcqrhwSxV— The Intellectualist (@highbrow_nobrow) October 27, 2026
The comment puts extra attention on who the NFL picked to perform, even though Kid Rock didn’t share anything to back up what he said.
Jay-Z has been great in music for the last thirty years. He’s sold over 140 million albums worldwide and is easily one of the biggest artists of this century. For comparison, Kid Rock has sold around 35 million.
On top of performing, Jay-Z already has strong ties to the Super Bowl. His company, Roc Nation, helps run the NFL’s music and entertainment, and the league teamed up with both Roc Nation and Apple Music to announce the halftime gig.
Fans might also see some big guests join him on stage. His wife, Beyonce, is at the top of that list, she’s already been at the halftime show once and showed up as a surprise guest another year.
Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg could also be there after their recent appearance with Jay-Z in Inglewood. Both artists performed at SoFi Stadium during Super Bowl LVI.
The NFL has not announced any guest performers for Super Bowl 61.
