Chris Brown Ignites Social Media with Super Bowl Halftime Bid
“They Need Me”: Chris Brown Ignites Social Media with Super Bowl Halftime Bid
SANTA CLARA, CA — The confetti from Bad Bunny’s historic Super Bowl LX halftime performance had barely settled on the Levi’s Stadium turf when a new contender made his presence felt. R&B powerhouse Chris Brown took to Instagram Stories late Sunday night, appearing to lobby for his own shot at the world’s biggest stage.
In a brief but pointed post shared just minutes after the halftime show concluded, Brown wrote:
“I THINK IT’S SAFE TO SAY… THEY NEED ME!”
Accompanied by a smirking emoji, the post immediately went viral, sparking a fierce debate across social media about the future of the Apple Music Halftime Show.
A Shift in Stance?
The "bid" marks a significant departure from Brown's previous public comments. In 2023, when asked by a fan when he would finally headline a Super Bowl, the singer replied, “Never shawty.. American media AINT FA me. Rather be where I’m welcomed.”
However, the tide seems to have turned within the "Breezy" camp. In a November 2025 interview with Billboard, Brown’s longtime manager, Anthony “Ant” Wilson, expressed a newfound optimism regarding the gig. “I also think the Super Bowl would be a great place for him,” Wilson said. “I believe it will happen.”
The Industry Push
Brown’s self-nomination isn't happening in a vacuum. A growing chorus of industry peers has been campaigning for the 36-year-old artist to be given the 2027 slot at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
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Boosie Badazz recently took to X (formerly Twitter), questioning why the singer has been overlooked: "No CB? Not cool at all, better yet #disrespectful u great n our eyes my g."
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Ne-Yo and Mase have also publicly voiced their support, with Mase stating last year that Brown is "the next one to do it" following Usher’s 2024 success.
A Polarized Reception
Despite his undeniable status as one of the premier performers of his generation, Brown’s potential headlining remains one of the most contentious topics in music. While his dedicated fanbase, #TeamBreezy, flooded social media with highlight reels of his dancing and hit-heavy catalog, critics were quick to point to his history of legal issues and personal controversies as a permanent barrier to the NFL’s "family-friendly" image.
On platforms like Reddit and X, many users questioned the timing of the post, with some accusing the singer of "thirst" or "saltiness" following Bad Bunny’s culturally significant, Spanish-language showcase.
The Road to LXI
As the NFL and Roc Nation begin the search for the Super Bowl LXI headliner in Los Angeles, the competition is already fierce. Early betting odds for the 2027 show currently favor names like Miley Cyrus, Cardi B, and Taylor Swift, with the game set to fall on Valentine’s Day.
Whether Jay-Z and the NFL are ready to navigate the "lightning rod" that is Chris Brown remains to be seen. But for one night in Santa Clara, Brown made it clear: he’s done waiting in the wings.
