When Is The Halftime Show? Your Ultimate Guide To Super Bowl LX (2026) Kickoff Time, Performer, And Estimated Start

The Super Bowl Halftime Show is arguably the most-watched musical event in the world, a spectacle that draws as many non-football fans as the game itself, and the question on everyone’s mind well before kickoff is always: "When does the show actually start?" As of December 18, 2025, the focus is firmly on the upcoming Super Bowl LX (60) and its groundbreaking headliner.

The next highly anticipated musical interlude, officially the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, will take place during Super Bowl LX (60) on Sunday, February 8, 2026. While the game's kickoff time is set, the exact start time for the performance is a moving target, typically landing between 90 to 120 minutes after the initial whistle blows. Fans should prepare for the show to begin around 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

The Essential Details: Super Bowl LX (2026) Halftime Show

The Super Bowl is an annual event that dictates the global entertainment calendar, and the 2026 edition promises to be a historic one. Here is a quick breakdown of all the confirmed and estimated details you need to know about the next Halftime Show.

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• Event: Super Bowl LX (60)
• Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
• Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
• Headlining Performer: Bad Bunny
• Game Kickoff Time: 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) / 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time (PT)
• Estimated Halftime Show Start Time: Approximately 8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. PT)
• Sponsor: Apple Music

Who is Performing at Super Bowl LX? Why Bad Bunny is a Game-Changer

The headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show is confirmed to be the multi-Grammy-winning Puerto Rican rapper and singer, Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio). This announcement marks a significant moment for the NFL and the Halftime Show, further cementing its commitment to global music stars and diverse genres.

Bad Bunny’s selection is historic. He is one of the most streamed artists in the world, and his performance at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, is expected to draw massive international viewership. His music, which blends Latin trap, reggaeton, and other genres, will bring a fresh, vibrant, and globally-influenced sound to the stage. This follows in the footsteps of previous Latin music icons like Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, who co-headlined in 2020.

The Halftime Show Timeline: How to Calculate the Start Time

Unlike a standard concert with a fixed start time, the Super Bowl Halftime Show is dependent on the flow of the football game. The performance begins only after the first two quarters (the first half) have been completed. This makes predicting the exact minute challenging, but a reliable estimate can always be made.

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A typical NFL game halftime break lasts only 12 to 14 minutes. However, the Super Bowl is a completely different beast. The time is significantly extended to accommodate the massive production, stage setup, performance, and tear-down required for a global spectacle.

The Halftime Show Duration: Performance vs. Total Break

The total halftime break for the Super Bowl is usually extended to around 30 to 40 minutes. This extra time is crucial for the hundreds of crew members who must rapidly assemble and disassemble the elaborate stage and lighting rigs on the field.

The actual musical performance, the part everyone tunes in for, is surprisingly short, typically running between 12 and 15 minutes. This means that the headliner, Bad Bunny, will have a tight window to deliver a career-spanning, high-impact set that satisfies millions of viewers worldwide.

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A Look Back: The Most Iconic Super Bowl Halftime Performances

The Super Bowl Halftime Show has evolved from marching bands and local college performances to a showcase for the world's biggest musical superstars. Understanding this history adds context to the immense pressure and legacy Bad Bunny will inherit.

The modern era of the Halftime Show was arguably launched by one legendary performance that set a new standard for spectacle and star power. Prior to this, the show was often considered a filler segment.

The Performances That Defined the Spectacle

A handful of performances stand out as the most iconic, influencing every show that followed:

• Michael Jackson (1993): The performance at Super Bowl XXVII is widely credited with transforming the Halftime Show into a major pop culture event. His energy and stage presence captivated the audience and set the template for celebrity headliners.
• Prince (2007): During a torrential downpour at Super Bowl XLI, Prince delivered a legendary set that included a stunning rendition of "Purple Rain." His performance is often cited as the greatest of all time, demonstrating pure musical genius in adverse conditions.
• Beyoncé (2013): Her electrifying reunion with Destiny's Child at Super Bowl XLVII was a masterclass in stage production and vocal power, solidifying her status as a global powerhouse.
• Lady Gaga (2017): Starting her Super Bowl LI show by jumping from the roof of Houston's NRG Stadium, Lady Gaga’s high-energy, solo performance was a massive ratings success and technological marvel.
• Madonna (2012): The Queen of Pop’s Super Bowl XLVI show, which featured guests like Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and CeeLo Green, broke viewing records at the time, proving the enduring appeal of music royalty.

Other notable and highly-regarded performances include the hip-hop collective featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar (2022), the vibrant Latin-themed show by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira (2020), and the energetic, family-friendly set by Bruno Mars (2014).

Future Halftime Shows: Looking Beyond 2026

While the focus is on Super Bowl LX, the NFL has already planned the locations for the subsequent championship games, providing early clues for future halftime show speculation. These locations often influence the choice of performer, with the league frequently selecting artists who have strong ties to the host city or region.

• Super Bowl LXI (61): The game is scheduled for February 14, 2027, at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California (Los Angeles area).
• Super Bowl LXII (62): The game is expected to be held in 2028, though the exact date and location are subject to official confirmation.

The selection process for the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show performer is a closely guarded secret, involving months of planning and negotiations with the artist, their management, and the NFL. The massive platform is seen as a global career peak, offering immense exposure that translates into record sales and tour ticket demand.

In summary, mark your calendars for Sunday, February 8, 2026. While the game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET, the moment Bad Bunny takes the stage at Levi's Stadium for the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show will be approximately 90 minutes later, making the window between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET the best time to tune in to catch the 12-to-15 minute spectacle.