The NFL season hasn't started yet, but Kalshi traders are already making early predictions about who will headline the Super Bowl LXI halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The market has Jay-Z in the lead at 49%, followed by Justin Bieber at 29%, and Miley Cyrus at 21%.
For informational purposes only. Not trading advice. Kalshi is not affiliated with the NFL or Super Bowl LXI. See full disclaimer below.
Super Bowl LXI halftime headliners
A separate Kalshi market on performers who could also appear during halftime, but not necessarily as a headliner, gives Bieber a 39% chance, followed by Jay-Z at 37%, Beyoncé at 20%, Tayor Swift at 18%, and Ella Langley and Sabrina Carpenter at 16% each.
Super Bowl LXI halftime performers
Jay-Z
One rumor gaining traction stems partly from a social media post from an Oscar-winning director.
Men's Journal's Terrell Smith reported that Matthew Cherry, the 2020 Oscar-winning director who took home a gold statue for his short film Hair Love and directed episodes of Abbott Elementary and Young Sheldon, wrote on X that Jay-Z "is for sure doing the Super Bowl this season."
Smith cast some doubts on the decision for several reasons. The first involves his current connection to the NFL. He currently works with the NFL through his company Roc Nation as “a live music entertainment strategist – with a focus on planning the Super Bowl halftime shows,” according to Okayplayer.
“Some could see it as him unfairly honoring himself (like a man electing himself as president),” Smith wrote. “Jay-Z is smart and likely knows that performing at the show while he’s in his NFL position may draw criticism. However, it’s not like he’s never faced harsh words from critics, so it’s certainly possible he wouldn’t care.”
The stadium and location of the Super Bowl could also present some complications for a Jay-Z halftime performance. The game will be played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and Jay-Z has strong ties to New York and its various sports teams. Smith said picking someone native to the region would present more “suitable candidates to perform at the Halftime Show on their own home turf,” such as Doja Cat or Billie Eilish.
Finally, Smith thinks Jay-Z is more likely to pick a female artist to headline the Super Bowl LXI halftime show. The last three halftime shows featured male performers as the headlining act, including Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, and Usher.
“I imagine that next year’s show is likely to feature some more feminine energy and probably from the pop end of the spectrum,” Smith wrote. “Billie Eilish was already mentioned, but if I had to guess, I’d say Ariana Grande or Miley Cyrus is likely up for the gig.”
Justin Bieber
The Biebs' name is being touted for the Super Bowl based on his recent performance at the World Cup Final halftime show.
Bieber performed at the halftime show, where he was introduced by Ted Lasso stars Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt. A separate closing ceremony ahead of the final also featured live performances by Post Malone, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini, and IShowSpeed.
With no official announcement yet, Kalshi's markets continue to reflect evolving speculation about who could headline or appear during the Super Bowl LXI halftime show.
The takeaway:
Kalshi traders now predict:
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This article may contain content generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence. The opinions and perspectives presented in this article belong solely to the author. This is not financial advice. Trading on Kalshi involves risk and may not be appropriate for all. Members risk losing their cost to enter any transaction, including fees. You should carefully consider whether trading on Kalshi is appropriate for you in light of your investment experience and financial resources. Any trading decisions you make are solely your responsibility and at your own risk. Information is provided for convenience only on an "AS IS" basis. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Kalshi is not affiliated with the National Football League or Super Bowl LXI.
