The Super Bowl halftime show stands out as one of the most-watched musical events on television. Each year, it draws over 100 million viewers who tune in for high-energy performances packed with hits, guest appearances, and elaborate staging.
Past headliners have included icons like Michael Jackson in 1993, who set a new standard with his moonwalk and dramatic entrance, Beyoncé in 2013, who brought powerhouse vocals and a reunion with Destiny’s Child, and Prince in 2007, whose set in the rain remains legendary for its guitar work on “Purple Rain.”
More recently, Kendrick Lamar took the stage in 2025 with a medley highlighting his rap catalog, and Bad Bunny made history in 2026 as the first solo Latino artist to headline, performing mostly in Spanish with guests like Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin.
Despite the prestige, some of America’s top music talents have never stepped up as the main act. Reasons vary from scheduling conflicts to creative differences or personal stances. Here is a look at eight major stars who have skipped headlining this massive platform.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift ranks among the most successful artists of her generation, with billions of streams, multiple Grammy wins, and sold-out stadium tours. Her Eras Tour, which ran from 2023 to 2025, became the highest-grossing tour ever, earning over $1 billion and featuring a three-hour setlist spanning her entire career.
Yet, she has turned down offers to headline the Super Bowl halftime show several times. In 2023, she reportedly declined to focus on re-recording her early albums, a project aimed at regaining control of her masters after a public dispute with her former label. Swift’s decision highlights her priority on artistic ownership over even the biggest spotlight.
Fans often point to her 2019 performance of the national anthem at a Detroit Lions game as her closest NFL tie, but the halftime slot remains unfilled by her. Public buzz around her potential involvement spikes every year, especially given her relationship with NFL player Travis Kelce, but she continues to chart her own path.
Dolly Parton
Country legend Dolly Parton, with a career spanning decades and classics like “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” has reportedly declined halftime invitations. Her wholesome image and storytelling songs have made her a cultural icon, but the Super Bowl’s intense schedule and production might not suit her preferences.
Parton has ties to football through her 2023 Thanksgiving Day performance during a Dallas Cowboys game, where she donned a cheerleader outfit and sang hits to raise funds for the Salvation Army.
That show drew massive attention, proving her appeal, yet she has steered clear of the halftime headliner role. Her focus on philanthropy, like the Imagination Library which has distributed millions of books to children, often takes precedence over such high-profile gigs.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z, the rap mogul behind hits like “Empire State of Mind” and a business empire including Roc Nation, has a complicated history with the NFL. He reportedly turned down a halftime offer years ago when the league insisted he bring out specific guests like Rihanna and Kanye West for “Run This Town.”
In a New York Times interview, he explained his reluctance to compromise on set choices. Additionally, in 2018, he publicly criticized the NFL’s handling of Colin Kaepernick’s protests, which influenced his initial distance from the event.
Ironically, since 2019, Roc Nation has partnered with the NFL to produce the halftime shows, leading to diverse lineups like the 2022 hip-hop collective featuring Dr. Dre and Eminem. Despite this involvement, Jay-Z has never headlined himself, opting instead to shape the platform from behind the scenes.
Drake
Drake, the Canadian-born rapper who dominates charts with tracks like “God’s Plan” and ” Hotline Bling,” is another notable absence from the halftime lineup. As one of the most streamed artists ever, with multiple Billboard records, he has possibly turned down offers, though details remain speculative. No solo rapper had fully headlined until recent years, when group shows like 2022’s hip-hop medley opened doors.
Drake’s public context includes his sports enthusiasm; he is a global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors and often attends games. His 2021 album “Certified Lover Boy” broke streaming records, but the halftime stage has eluded him. Fans speculate his feuds, like the one with Kendrick Lamar, might play a role, but his catalog of anthems could make for a dynamic set if he ever changes course.
Cardi B
Cardi B, the Bronx rapper who rose to fame with “Bodak Yellow” and became the first solo female rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100 in nearly two decades, declined the 2019 halftime show for reasons tied to Kaepernick’s cause. She appeared as a surprise guest in Bad Bunny’s 2026 performance, tied to her boyfriend’s team, but has never been the headliner.
Cardi B’s unfiltered personality shines in tracks like “WAP,” which sparked cultural debates, and her Grammy win for “Invasion of Privacy.” Her public life includes high-profile moments, like her 2018 feud with Nicki Minaj, but she prioritizes principles over exposure.
Adele
Adele, known for her soulful ballads and record-breaking albums like “21” and “25,” has been candid about why she passed on the halftime opportunity. In 2016, during a concert, she revealed that the NFL approached her for the 2017 show, but she said no because the event focuses more on spectacle than pure music.
Her style, centered on emotional vocals and minimal staging, as seen in her Las Vegas residency where she connects intimately with audiences through songs like “Hello” and “Someone Like You,” does not align with the high-production demands of the halftime slot.
Adele has performed at other major events, such as the 2013 Oscars where she won for “Skyfall,” but the Super Bowl’s fast-paced, dance-heavy format feels mismatched for her. This choice reflects her commitment to authenticity, even if it means missing out on a viewership that could boost her already massive popularity.
These artists prove that massive success does not require the Super Bowl stage. Their choices, whether for creative control, timing, or beliefs, keep fans engaged through tours, albums, and other platforms. As the halftime show evolves, who knows what future lineups might bring.
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