Grey Cup halftime show 2025: Why MGK is performing at Alouettes vs. Roughriders CFL game

The CFL has enlisted a headline act to spearhead its mid-game entertainment during its most notable contest.

The Grey Cup is one of Canada’s grandest sporting spectacles, complete with all the pageantry you’d expect from the final game of the football season. This year’s matchup features CFL powerhouses Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

But they won’t be the biggest names on the field Sunday night. That distinction goes to MGK—real name Colson Baker—who is slated to headline the halftime show.

MGK may not be Kendrick Lamar or Bad Bunny, but over his nearly two-decade career, he’s commanded the spotlight, emerging as one of Cleveland’s most well-known musical voices in recent years.

Here’s what you need to know about MGK, the artist the CFL has tasked with energizing the Princess Auto Stadium crowd Sunday night.

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Who is performing during halftime of the 112th Grey Cup?

What time does the Grey Cup halftime show start?

The Grey Cup halftime show will likely start around 7:30 p.m. ET. 

Who is MGK?

Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, MGK—formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly—is a rapper, singer, and instrumentalist whose music has garnered millions of listeners. The 35-year-old has enjoyed a nearly 20-year career in the spotlight, first emerging as an artist on Bad Boy Records. His debut album peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard charts, led by "Wild Boy," a triple-platinum single featuring Waka Flocka Flame.

MGK has experienced a mid-career renaissance, shifting his sound to embrace pop-punk influences like Blink-182 in recent years. He won Top Rock Album and Top Rock Artist at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards following the release of "Tickets to My Downfall." His 2023 album, "Mainstream Sellout," earned a Grammy Award nomination.

He has released several notable songs, including "Cliche," "Till I Die," "Bad Things" (with Camila Cabello), and "my ex’s best friend" (with blackbear).

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History of Grey Cup halftime performances

The Grey Cup has not always had halftime entertainment. The tradition did not begin in the league until 1990, when the CFL had its first intermission performance. 

A number of high-profile acts have performed at the Grey Cup halftime show, including Canadian legends such as Justin Bieber, Shania Twain (twice), Bryan Adams and Nickelback. 

Here is a look at the history of Grey Cup halftime performances: