The Weeknd to headline Super Bowl LV halftime show

Grammy Award-winning R&B artist The Weeknd will headline the Super Bowl LV halftime show at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, the NFL announced Thursday.

“We all grow up watching the world’s biggest acts playing the Super Bowl and one can only dream of being in that position,” The Weeknd said in a statement. “I’m humbled, honored and ecstatic to be the center of that infamous stage this year.”

The Canadian will star in the second Super Bowl halftime show since Roc Nation and the NFL formed their social justice and entertainment partnership last year. The agreement gave Roc Nation, the agency led by Jay-Z, the authority to nominate performers for the Super Bowl and other NFL events.

Last year, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira shared the Super Bowl halftime stage, marking the first time two Latina women headlined the act.

“The Weeknd has ushered in a sound all his own,” Jay-Z said. “His soulful uniqueness has defined a new generation of greatness in music and artistry. This is an extraordinary moment in time and the Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show is going to be an extraordinary experience with an extraordinary performer.”

Super Bowl LV will take place on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021.