Despite her past hesitations, which included turning down the Super Bowl halftime show in 2017, speculation about Adele’s involvement persists. During a concert in Los Angeles in 2016, she candidly expressed her reservations, saying, “First of all, I’m not doing the Super Bowl… I mean, that show is not about music. I can’t dance or anything like that. They were very kind, they did ask me, but I did say no.” At the time, the NFL and its partner, Pepsi, responded to her comments, asserting, “We have had conversations with several artists about the Pepsi Super Bowl halftime show… However, we have not at this point extended a formal offer to Adele or anyone else.”
The selection process for the Super Bowl halftime show is typically managed by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in collaboration with the NFL, with the chosen artist usually announced in September. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell recently hinted at the possibility of Swift being part of the lineup, stating on NBC’s “Today” that she is “a special, special talent” and would be welcome at any time. However, when pressed for concrete details about potential performers, he remained non-committal, saying, “I can’t tell you anything about that… It’s a maybe,” and added, “I’m waiting on my friend Jay-Z to be able to help me… It’s in his hands.”
Adele’s sentiments about Swift have also been supportive, particularly amid backlash from NFL fans regarding Swift’s presence at games to watch her boyfriend, Kelce. During her “Weekends With Adele” concert in Las Vegas, she addressed the critics, quipping, “[For] all of you complaining about Taylor being at the game, get a f—king life, that’s her f—king boyfriend.” This defense of Swift not only showcases Adele’s camaraderie with fellow artists but also highlights her willingness to stand up against negativity directed toward them.
As fans continue to speculate about the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show lineup, the combination of Adele’s immense talent and her previous experiences with the event adds layers of intrigue to the ongoing discussions. Whether or not she ultimately accepts the invitation to perform remains to be seen, but the anticipation surrounding her potential involvement is palpable.
The Super Bowl halftime show has a storied history of featuring some of the biggest names in music, and as the date approaches, the stakes are higher than ever. With the NFL’s strategic partnerships and the ever-evolving landscape of pop culture, the final decision on who will take the stage is likely to generate significant buzz.
For now, fans are left to speculate and hope that their favorite artists, including Adele, will grace the field with their presence, making the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show a memorable event for music lovers and sports fans alike. As the countdown to the big game continues, one thing is certain: the conversation around who will perform is just as exciting as the game itself.