NFL

The NFL has remained mum about its halftime show for Super Bowl 61 at SoFi Stadium this February. But that hasn’t stopped fans from connecting some dots.

Read more Golf

Over recent days, rumors surrounding the headlining performer for this season’s Super Bowl have picked up — which would align with the NFL’s typical timeline of making announcements. In 2025, Bad Bunny was officially selected in late September, while Kendrick Lamar was made official in early September in 2024.

There have been a few signs that its between two star female artists to headline Super Bowl 61’s halftime show, but one appears to be the leader: Miley Cyrus.

Here’s a look at the growing reasons fans believe Cyrus will be the halftime performer.

MORE: Did Apple Music leak the Super Bowl halftime show performer?

 X reasons NFL fans think Miley Cyrus will be halftime performer

Viral post about Apple Music leak

There’s a chance that one of the first signs that an announcement may be coming soon isn’t legitimate — a viral post on X earlier this week indicated that Apple Music had posted, then deleted, an apparent hint at the Super Bowl 61 halftime performer.

Based on that viral post, fans speculated that the silhouette of a female performer shared by Apple Music was a «leak» of either Miley Cyrus of Beyonce:

OMGGG DID THEY JUST DROP A CLUE AT THE HALFTIME PERFORMER AND THEN DELETE IT ??? 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭!!!!!😭😭😭😭😭😭??!!! https://t.co/DlyUl7G6La

— lex (@petaltrin) October 5, 2026

Despite that post having over seven million views, it remains unclear whether that was a real «leak» or fan-made. Regardless, it stirred up debate over when Apple Music, which sponsors the Super Bowl halftime show, will announce its decision.

Miley Cyrus ‘bowl’ post

On Tuesday, Cyrus herself seemed to appeal to the fans who thought she was the Super Bowl pick.

Read more Yokohama Mayoral Candidates Reject Casino Resort Plans

The star singer will be performing a show at the Hollywood Bowl next week — but with the way she captioned a post on X, some thought she was hinting at the Super Bowl.

«Bowl rehearsals,» Cyrus wrote. «See you soon.»

Bowl rehearsals. See you soon 🖤 https://t.co/dbrcdd8863

— MILEY (@miley) October 6, 2026

Again, that post could simply be interpreted as a coincidence, with Cyrus heading to the Hollywood Bowl to perform. Or, it could be a subtle way of telling her fans that she’ll stage the stage in February.

MORE: Who are the 15 best signings so far from the 2026 NFL offseason?

Dolly Parton connection

Cyrus’ special connection to the late Dolly Parton, who died at age 80 in late August, has also fueled some speculation, giving the NFL a chance to honor Parton at this year’s Super Bowl. Parton was known for plenty of sports connections, from Tennessee Volunteers football to her Cowboys Thanksgiving performance.

Parton was also Cyrus’ godmother, and the two frequently collaborated on music and performances, on top of Parton’s appearances as «Aunt Dolly» on Cyrus’ show, «Hannah Montana,» as a kid.

«The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts,» Cyrus wrote on Instagram following Parton’s death in August. «I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.»

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MILEY (@miley)

Should Cyrus be tabbed as the Super Bowl halftime performer, it would come as no surprise if she takes a moment to honor Parton.

Past experience at a Super Bowl event

Cyrus would also be no stranger to working with the NFL during a Super Bowl. She performed at a Super Bowl LV pregame event for 7,500 vaccinated health care workers in 2021, a «TikTok Tailgate» show that was held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Read more Ireland Leaves Betting Tax Untouched While Racing Funding Climbs 3%