Justin Tinsley, senior culture writer at ESPN’s Andscape, has published his Super Bowl halftime power rankings, and the speculation around who might perform at the big game is heating up. The rankings come with a video titled “WATCH: Super Bowl halftime performer speculation heats up,” posted on September 16, 2026.
Tinsley’s rankings offer a look at how performers are selected for the NFL’s biggest stage, though the full methodology remains his own. The video itself runs 8:40, and it sits alongside other sports and entertainment highlights from the day, including a Dolly Parton tribute special announcement and a Daddy Yankee documentary.
Ranking the Headliners
Tinsley’s power rankings put forward a list of artists who could headline the halftime show, with each performer’s placement based on factors he outlines in the video. The rankings reflect the current landscape of pop music and the cultural weight that comes with being asked to play in front of millions of viewers.
The rankings are a mix of established stars and newer acts, with each slot carrying a different argument for why the artist belongs on the bill. Tinsley’s commentary on the selections offers context for why certain performers land where they do, touching on career milestones, recent releases, and the kind of energy the show needs to succeed.
How the Selection Process Works
The video explains that performers are chosen through a combination of industry influence, fan demand, and the NFL’s own criteria. Tinsley breaks down the process, noting that the league looks for acts that can draw a crowd, command attention, and leave a lasting impression.
He also touches on the practical side of booking a halftime performance. The NFL has to balance the logistics of bringing a major act to the field, including rehearsals, sound checks, and the sheer spectacle of getting an artist in front of the audience in time. That balance between star power and operational feasibility is a central theme of the rankings.
The Complete Order
The complete rankings include a full ordering of potential performers, with Tinsley’s commentary on each entry. The list is designed to spark debate among fans and industry insiders alike, with each ranking carrying its own justification.
The rankings are not official announcements, but they do give fans a sense of who might be considered for the role. For the artists themselves, a high ranking is a signal of interest, even if it doesn’t guarantee a spot.
What Else Is on the Screen
The video is part of a larger collection of content, including a Dolly Parton tribute special announcement, a Daddy Yankee documentary, and other entertainment highlights. These pieces sit alongside the halftime rankings, offering a broad view of what’s happening in music and sports at the moment.
The related content includes:
- Highlights from fashion week
- An EU offer of an associate relationship to Canada
- A Dolly Parton tribute special announcement
- A Daddy Yankee documentary
- Other entertainment news
The Meaning Behind the Numbers
The rankings are a snapshot of the moment. They reflect which artists are currently relevant, which careers are on the rise, and which acts have the star power to fill the stadium.
The rankings are not official announcements, but they do give fans a sense of who might be considered for the role. For the artists themselves, a high ranking is a signal of interest, even if it doesn’t guarantee a spot.
The Long History of the Show
The Super Bowl halftime show has been a tradition since the early days of the NFL. The show has evolved from a simple musical interlude into a full-scale production, complete with elaborate sets, choreography, and a global audience. The NFL treats it as a centerpiece of the event, and performers treat it as a career-defining moment.
The NFL has its own process, and the final lineup will be announced closer to the event.
Fans Will Argue About This
The rankings are bound to start conversations. Fans will argue about who deserves a higher spot, who was left off the list, and who the NFL should really be considering.
The debate is part of the fun. It keeps the conversation alive and adds to the excitement of the season.
A Busy Time for the NFL
The rankings come at a busy time for the NFL. The season is underway, and the league is setting the stage for its biggest night.
The halftime show is one part of that plan, and the rankings give fans a taste of what could be coming. The speculation will continue until the actual lineup is announced, and Tinsley’s rankings are likely to be cited throughout the season as the debate plays out.
What Fans Should Know
The rankings are a useful guide to the current state of the music industry. They highlight the artists who matter right now, and they give fans a reason to pay attention.
Whether any of these artists actually performs at the Super Bowl remains to be seen. The NFL has its own process, and the final lineup will be announced closer to the event.
For now, the rankings stand as a marker of where things stand. The debate is just beginning, and the speculation will only grow from here.
See the a run of 89 images at Abcnews.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.