8 Artists Who Declined the Super Bowl Halftime Performance

Each year, the Super Bowl halftime show attracts massive attention, showcasing some of the biggest names in music. However, several prominent artists have chosen to decline the opportunity to perform. The reasons behind these decisions range from personal beliefs to creative differences.

Artists Who Declined the Super Bowl Halftime Performance

• Adele
• Taylor Swift
• Jay-Z
• Dolly Parton
• Drake (Possibly)
• Outkast
• Pink
• Cardi B

Adele

Adele expressed her disinterest in performing at the Super Bowl during a 2016 concert in Los Angeles. She stated that the show isn’t focused on music and lacks an emphasis on live performance. Despite being approached, Adele firmly declined, highlighting her belief that she wouldn’t fit the extravagant nature of the event.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift has been courted for Super Bowl performances, particularly following her relationship with football player Travis Kelce. In an October 2025 appearance on The Tonight Show, she clarified that while discussions have happened, she has not formally declined an official offer. Swift indicated that her commitment to Kelce has influenced her decision-making regarding the halftime gig.

Jay-Z

Jay-Z turned down the halftime show offer in 2018, citing concerns over the process of selection. He found the idea of being contingent on bringing other artists, like Rihanna and Kanye West, disrespectful. Despite his refusal, Jay-Z’s company, Roc Nation, now produces the halftime show, leaving the door open for future participation.

Dolly Parton

Despite her legendary status, Dolly Parton never performed at the Super Bowl due to a lack of confidence and conflicts at the time. In a 2023 interview, she reflected on feeling inadequate for such a large-scale production. However, she remains open to the prospect of performing in the future.

Drake (Possibly)

Drake’s involvement with the Super Bowl halftime show remains unclear. While rumors suggest he has turned down multiple offers, reports also indicate that the artist has never received a formal invitation. A source noted that scheduling conflicts could have contributed to his absence, but his decline is not substantiated.

Outkast

The duo Outkast rejected a Super Bowl invitation primarily because André 3000 wanted to perform their songs in full. Big Boi revealed that this insistence on artistic integrity led to their decision to decline the performance.

Pink

Pink turned down the 2019 halftime show opportunity, citing a concern over the intense scrutiny that performers face. Additionally, she expressed a desire to support Colin Kaepernick’s protest against racial injustice, indicating that accepting the gig might compromise her principles.

Cardi B

Cardi B declined the Super Bowl halftime performance in 2025, believing it wasn’t the right time for her. She previously rejected offers in 2019 to stand with Kaepernick. Despite this, there are rumors about her joining Bad Bunny at the 2026 halftime show, suggesting a possible future appearance.

These artists highlight a range of considerations when it comes to performing at one of the biggest events in entertainment—the Super Bowl halftime show. Whether due to personal beliefs, relationships, or artistic principles, their choices reflect the complexities behind these high-pressure performances.