Playing the Super Bowl halftime show is a dream for many musical artists. It is arguably the biggest event outside of their own tour that they could headline, with the world tuning in to their performance.

International superstar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl. Many thought the honor was going to go to music icon Taylor Swift, especially given her engagement to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Bad Bunny was announced as the halftime performer on Sept. 28, but a report from Sept. 24 suggests that Swift may have actually been the NFL’s first choice and that she turned them down.

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Here is more on why Swift declined to play the Super Bowl halftime show.

Is Taylor Swift performing Super Bowl halftime show?

No, not yet. Swift is not scheduled to perform a Super Bowl halftime show at this time. She has indicated that she has an interest, but nothing has been solidified. 

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Why did Taylor Swift refuse the Super Bowl?

It may be a little-known fact, but musical acts for the Super Bowl halftime show aren’t paid. The NFL covers the production costs, and the league usually tells the act they are paid in “exposure,” which often means the band or artist performs simply for fun or for their fans.

According to the September 24 report about her refusing to play, Swift cited money as the issue. "Taylor knows her worth. She knows the kind of ratings she brings, the global attention she commands. She wasn’t about to hand that over for free. They expect the biggest artists in the world to do it for ‘exposure.’ Taylor Swift doesn’t need exposure. She wanted a deal that reflected her value."

Swift's career has had a meteoric rise, but in the background, she was battling over the rights to her songs. She didn't own her masters until May 2025, and likely has a sour taste from not getting what she felt she was worth for years because of her situation.

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Has Taylor Swift ever performed the Super Bowl halftime show?

Nope, Swift has not yet performed at the Super Bowl halftime show as either the headliner or a surprise guest.

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Will Taylor Swift ever perform Super Bowl halftime show?

The music star has not ruled it out. It sounds as if the NFL were willing to compensate her, or if they could agree to terms, she would do it. While it isn’t happening in 2026, Swift sounds open to the idea in the future.