Country Music Returns to the Super Bowl — Kind Of
While George Strait won’t be replacing Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, country fans will still have something to cheer about. The NFL announced that Chris Stapleton and Sierra Ferrell will perform as part of the Super Bowl Week concert series leading up to the big game.
Country Music Joins the Super Bowl Festivities
Super Bowl LX will take place on February 8, 2026, in San Francisco, California. Ahead of the game, the Bay Area Host Committee is organizing a three-night concert series at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, running February 5–7.
While the acts for the first two nights haven’t been revealed yet, the final night (February 7) will feature Grammy winners Chris Stapleton and Sierra Ferrell, adding a strong dose of country soul to the festivities.
Stapleton’s inclusion feels especially fitting—his 2023 National Anthem performance before the Super Bowl was widely hailed as one of the greatest in recent memory. Pairing him with Ferrell, one of the genre’s most eclectic rising stars, promises an unforgettable show.
Additional Concerts: Sting Joins the Lineup
In addition to the Bay Area concert series, the NFL’s hospitality partner On Location will host its own two-night event on February 6 and 7. Rock legend Sting is set to headline the first night, while the second night’s headliner remains a mystery.
The NFL is leaning heavily into music for Super Bowl week as the league cements itself as a cultural powerhouse.
Chris Stapleton, Sting, and Sierra Farrell are among several artists who’ll perform in the days leading up to the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) November 7, 2025
Fans are already speculating that the league might add another country superstar — with George Strait being a popular wish among many.
The Bigger Picture: Country’s Super Bowl History
It’s been over 20 years since a country artist headlined a Super Bowl Halftime Show. The last was Shania Twain in 2003, and before that, the 1994 lineup featured Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, and The Judds.
Given the genre’s massive global resurgence, many fans believe it’s long overdue for another country act to headline. Stars like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, and Zach Bryan are now filling stadiums worldwide — a clear sign that the demand is there.
Looking Ahead
While this year’s halftime stage belongs to Bad Bunny, the presence of Chris Stapleton and Sierra Ferrell during Super Bowl week ensures that country music still has a strong voice in the celebration.
As country’s popularity continues to surge across continents, perhaps next year’s Super Bowl will finally give the genre the spotlight it deserves once again.