Nationwide — Kid Rock is criticizing Jay-Z’s role as the executive producer of the Super Bowl halftime shows since 2020, calling him a “DEI hire” and linking recent NFL performances to politics. He also discussed the controversy around Bad Bunny’s 2026 show and how the league handles social issues.
The rapper said the Super Bowl changed in 2016 after Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice. Kid Rock argued this put NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in a difficult position, trying to protect profits in a mostly male, Black-dominated league.
Kid Rock told Fox News that Goodell’s solution was to hire Jay-Z to oversee the 2020 halftime show. He suggested the move was partly strategic, designed to appeal to Black audiences, calling it a “little bit of a DEI hire.” He acknowledged Jay-Z’s popularity but implied the decision was more about league optics than art.
Kid Rock said Jay-Z would naturally focus on his core fans while navigating the league’s expectations. He drew a parallel to Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 performance, hinting similar factors influence who performs and why.
Kid Rock himself has performed at the Super Bowl, joining Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson in 2004. His comments highlight how politics, profits, and performer choices have shaped halftime shows over the years, making the NFL’s biggest entertainment event a mix of music and strategy.