Adele reportedly in early talks to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show

Adele is reportedly in discussions to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.

The British superstar, known for her powerhouse vocals and emotional ballads, is said to be in early negotiations with organizers. While nothing has been finalized, the possibility of Adele taking the stage at one of America’s biggest televised events has already set social media buzzing.

Super Bowl LX will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in February 2026. With so much speculation surrounding the halftime slot, fans are eager to know if Adele will finally say yes to a show she once turned down.

Let’s break it all down.

What’s been reported so far

Reports suggest that Adele is one of the top names being considered for the 2026 halftime show.

According to PageSix, sources close to the talks have emphasized that discussions are ongoing, and an official announcement has not been made. These kinds of negotiations often begin months in advance, especially since the Super Bowl halftime stage requires meticulous planning and production.

The NFL partners with Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s entertainment company, to select and manage halftime performers. This collaboration has helped bring some of the biggest names in music to the Super Bowl stage in recent years, from Shakira and Jennifer Lopez to Rihanna and Usher.

Adding Adele to that lineup would mark a significant moment for the league and for fans who admire her vocal-driven performances.

Adele’s history with the Super Bowl

This isn’t the first time Adele’s name has been linked to the Super Bowl.

Back in 2016, she revealed that she was approached to headline the 2017 halftime show but declined. Speaking to fans during a concert, Adele said she turned it down because the event “is not about music” and admitted that she doesn’t see herself as a dancing or highly choreographed performer. That candid response fueled years of speculation about whether she would ever reconsider.

Her reluctance came at a time when the Super Bowl halftime was known for its flashy staging, high-energy choreography, and heavy reliance on spectacle. Adele’s style, which leans more on powerful vocals and emotional storytelling, seemed like a mismatch. However, with the halftime show evolving and embracing different performance formats, the idea of Adele headlining no longer feels far-fetched.

Why 2026 could be different

The landscape of the halftime show has shifted in recent years.

Rihanna’s 2023 performance proved that the spectacle can be paired with vocal-driven artistry, even without constant choreography. Adele might see this as an opportunity to showcase her music on one of the biggest stages in the world without compromising her style.

Timing also plays a role. Adele wrapped her Weekends With Adele Las Vegas residency in November 2024, which drew critical acclaim and proved her ability to hold audiences in a large-scale setting. That run reminded fans of her strength as a live performer and could give her the confidence to finally take on a show she once turned down.

For Adele, it may feel like the right moment to embrace a challenge she previously avoided.

Other names in the conversation

Adele isn’t the only star being mentioned for the coveted slot.

Taylor Swift’s name continues to dominate speculation, especially after a record-breaking tour and ongoing cultural impact in the United States. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently called Swift a “special talent,” sparking more rumors that she could be a future halftime headliner.

Miley Cyrus has also been floated as a possibility. Her strong vocals, bold stage presence, and ability to deliver a mix of rock, pop, and ballads could make her an appealing choice for the NFL. While Adele may bring elegance and emotion, Cyrus or Swift would offer high-energy, dynamic sets that fit more traditional expectations of halftime shows.

What an Adele halftime show could look like

Fans who imagine Adele headlining picture a performance that focuses less on pyrotechnics and choreography and more on emotional delivery.

Her catalog is packed with anthems that resonate across generations, from “Hello” and “Someone Like You” to “Rolling in the Deep.” A setlist blending these tracks would easily capture the global audience tuning in.

While she may not bring dozens of dancers or elaborate routines, Adele could create a striking moment by relying on visual storytelling, lighting, and the sheer intensity of her voice. The Super Bowl halftime has room for different artistic approaches, and her presence would make it memorable for entirely different reasons than past headliners.

Fan reactions so far

The rumor of Adele potentially performing has sparked mixed reactions online.

Many fans are excited about the possibility of hearing her iconic songs performed live on such a huge stage. They see it as a refreshing change of pace from the typical high-octane halftime productions.

Others, however, wonder whether Adele’s slower, ballad-heavy catalog would keep the energy up during a football game. Some have even joked that the performance would feel like a “mourning ceremony” rather than a party. This debate highlights how expectations for the halftime show vary widely and how Adele’s style could either redefine or divide the audience experience.

The significance of this decision

Choosing Adele would signal a deliberate move by the NFL and Roc Nation to prioritize musical depth and artistry.

Over the years, halftime shows have faced criticism for being overly commercial or gimmicky. A performance centered on vocals and emotional resonance would be a bold shift, offering viewers something unexpected.

It would also demonstrate Adele’s evolution as a performer. Saying yes to the Super Bowl after publicly rejecting it nearly a decade ago would represent growth, confidence, and a willingness to step into spaces she once avoided. That kind of narrative could add an extra layer of anticipation and meaning to the event.

What happens next

For now, no official announcement has been made.

The NFL typically confirms the halftime headliner closer to the end of the year, allowing enough time for anticipation to build before the February game. Until then, Adele’s name will remain in the mix with other major contenders.

Whether she ultimately headlines or not, the fact that she’s even in discussions marks a significant moment in Super Bowl chatter. The possibility of Adele standing at midfield, delivering her biggest hits to millions of viewers worldwide, is enough to keep fans and media closely watching for updates.

TL;DR

• Adele is reportedly in early talks to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
• She previously turned down the chance to perform in 2017, saying the event “is not about music.”
• Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus are also rumored contenders for the coveted halftime slot.
• An Adele halftime performance would likely emphasize vocals and emotional depth over spectacle and choreography.
• Fans are divided, with some excited and others skeptical about her style fitting the Super Bowl stage.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.