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Taylor Swift has become a global powerhouse—an artist whose cultural influence stretches far beyond music. With her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce only fueling speculation, fans continue to wonder why she has never headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show, one of the most prestigious performance stages in the world. Despite years of rumors, near-misses, and elaborate fan theories, Swift has yet to seize that 13-minute spotlight.
The long-awaited question: Why not yet?
For more than a decade, Swift’s name has consistently surfaced whenever Super Bowl Halftime conversations arise. With her chart-topping hits and stadium-shaking tours, many see her as the perfect candidate. Yet, season after season, another artist has been announced in her place—Rihanna, Usher, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and more.
So why hasn’t the NFL’s biggest stage been hers? The answer lies in timing, sponsorship conflicts, and Taylor Swift’s own career priorities.
Sponsorship roadblocks
One of the earliest hurdles was tied to brand endorsements. In 2013, Swift signed a lucrative long-term deal with Coca-Cola’s Diet Coke, making her the face of the brand. Unfortunately, Pepsi was the official sponsor of the Super Bowl Halftime Show at the time. That partnership effectively locked Swift out of consideration while Pepsi remained in charge.
It wasn’t until 2022, when Apple Music took over as the halftime sponsor, that her name once again gained traction. Reports even claimed Taylor Swift was approached for Super Bowl LVII in 2023, but she declined—choosing instead to focus on rerecording her early albums, part of her mission to reclaim ownership of her music after the Scooter Braun dispute.
Timing and touring conflicts
Logistics have also played a role. In 2024, Swift’s schedule was dominated by her record-shattering Eras Tour. While she managed to fly from Japan to Las Vegas to watch Travis Kelce win the Super Bowl, staging her own halftime performance that same weekend would have been near impossible.
Similarly, there were stretches in her career where she was either between albums or reshaping her artistic identity, making the timing less than ideal for such a monumental stage.
Why the future looks different for Taylor Swift fans
Now, things are changing. In 2025, Taylor Swift completed the process of buying back her masters, giving her full control over her catalogue. She is also set to release her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, on October 3, adding fresh anthems to an already iconic setlist. With fewer constraints and more freedom, speculation around her headlining the 2026 Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara is at an all-time high.
Swift herself has hinted at big plans, and fans are convinced the stars are finally aligning. After years of delays, the stage might no longer elude her—it may soon be hers to command.
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