Jay-Z is blocking out the outside noise after revealing himself as this season’s performer for the Super Bowl halftime show. Following weeks of speculation, it was announced on Monday night that the rapper, 56, had selected himself to headline the big game at the end of the 2026 NFL season. The iconic rapper and his Roc Nation signed a $5 million-a-year deal with the NFL to oversee the music spectacle in 2019, which was renewed in 2024.Since taking charge, the rap icon has selected the likes of Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny. Now, he is trusting himself to step into the spotlight for this year’s NFL showdown, which will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Valentine’s Day.Yet, his decision to back himself for the high-profile gig was met with backlash from many football fans with some taunting him with memes on social media. But the 99 Problems hitmaker seemingly hasn’t allowed the criticism to affect him. Jay-Z was asked by TMZ if he felt under pressure to deliver the performance of a lifetime for the musical spectacular in February in New York City on Tuesday. But the artist simply laughed the question off, insisting there was no pressure involved. Jay-Z has insisted that he is feeling no pressure over his Super Bowl halftime performance It was revealed on Monday that the rapper had selected himself to headline the halftime showHe also insisted that this gig would be the same as any other, adding that his preparation would be the ‘same as always.’ ESPN, which will broadcast this season’s big game, officially announced that he would take to the stage for the Apple Music Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show during the halftime break of Monday night’s game between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. In a short black-and-white clip shown during halftime of Monday night’s clash between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, the artist was shown seated in the stands of a stadium with, ‘Goat’s out of the bag,’ written above him.’From Reasonable Doubt to standing on the Super Bowl Halftime stage, this has been a journey,’ Jay-Z said in a statement shortly after the news broke. ‘Thirty years of music, work, and culture on the world’s biggest stage. This run continues to be a dream come true.’NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell welcomed the selection, revealing that Jay-Z’s upcoming performance had been years in the making.’For several years, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with Jay-Z and Roc Nation, and I’ve seen the extraordinary impact he has had on the Super Bowl Halftime Show,’ said Goodell. Jay-Z and Roc Nation are responsible for producing the Super Bowl halftime show In recent years, the rap icon has selected the likes of Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar and Bad BunnyJoin the discussionShould celebrities in charge of major events choose themselves for the spotlight, or is it unfair?What’s your view?’When we first reached an agreement with Roc Nation to produce the show, I had just one request: that Jay-Z take the stage himself one day, whenever the moment felt right to him. I couldn’t be more excited for fans around the world to experience the artistry, creativity and cultural impact he will bring to the Super Bowl stage.’The Daily Mail first reported that Jay-Z, who is married to and shares three children with Beyonce, was considering himself for the Halftime Show on September 18, something which Roc Nation and the NFL furiously denied at the time.Rumors had previously suggested Jay-Z and Roc Nation were considering Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber and Harry Styles for one of America’s most iconic gigs.While Jay-Z has never performed at the Super Bowl, wife Beyonce did so at the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans. She also returned as a special guest with Bruno Mars during Coldplay’s performance in 2016 in Santa Clara.