Luke Combs Tearfully Explains Why He Missed the Birth of Son Beau
Luke Combs is putting his family first.
One day before his scheduled performance at the Madden Bowl in San Francisco, the country star shared that he's pulling out of the 2026 Super Bowl pre-party, taking place ahead of the big game on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, Calif.
"So sorry to miss y'all at Madden Bowl," he wrote on his Instagram Story Feb. 5, "but family always comes first. Have a great time."
Luke—whose wife Nicole Hocking Combs is pregnant with their third child—did not share further details on his family situation, but event organizer EA Sports explained that he was needed amid the pregnancy.
"Luke has to hold it down at home with a new one on the way," the video game company said in a statement on Instagram. "All love for Luke and his family—and we can’t wait to put on an unforgettable #MaddenBowl with @zachlanebryan leading an incredible night of music and football for the fans."
Indeed, Zach Bryan will headline the concert along with performances by Teddy Swims, Stephen Wilson Jr., Gavin Adcock and LaRussell.
As for Luke, it seems he'll be spending the evening with his kids, Tex Lawrence, 3, and Beau Lee, 2.
He and Nicole—who tied the knot in 2020—announced in September that they're growing their family.
"Third time’s a charm!" they shared on Instagram at the time. "Baby #3 coming this winter."
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And it's a big priority for Luke to be there for every major family moment, especially after he regretably had to miss the birth of his second son while on tour in Australia.
"I'll never forget the craziest day, probably, in my life," he shared on a June episode of The Zane Lowe Show. "One of the best and one of the worst days in my life at the same time."
"I'm in Sydney, Australia, in a hotel room," Luke continued. "I probably woke up at around 8:00 a.m. Australia time, and I had a text from my wife, and it said, ‘I'm so sorry, I really tried to not have the baby while you're gone.'"
The 35-year-old added through tears, "God, dude, it sucked."
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While Luke won't be taking the mic in the S.F. Bay Area this weekend, other singers will be providing the music for many Super Bowl festivities. Take Bad Bunny, who joins the legendary list of Super Bowl Halftime Show performers.
Read on to look back on the most memorable Super Bowl performances of all time.
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2025
Not only did Kendrick Lamar deliver a poignant performance filled with symbolism about the racial and political divide in America, but he also managed to sneak in a few digs at Drake amid their heated feud.
L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
2024
Usher gave an OMG-worthy performance, with Alicia Keys, will.i.am, Lil Jon, Ludacris and H.E.R. making special appearances.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
2023
Rihanna's red hot performance also served as her announcement for her pregnancy with baby No. 2.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
2020
Jennifer Lopez and Shakira made history with their performance at the 2020 Super Bowl, becoming the first two Latinas to lead a halftime performance. Lopez even had the chance the share a sweet moment on the stage with her child, Emme, performing together in front of the large crowd.
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2017
Lady Gaga made quite the impression at the when she dropped in from the sky at the NRG Stadium in Houston. Complete with pyrotechnics and multiple costume changes, the performance featured electric renditions of her hits "Poker Face," "Born This Way," "Telephone," "Just Dance," "Million Reasons" and "Bad Romance."
Rob Carr/Getty Images
2015
Katy Perry attracted the largest audience in the history of Super Bowl halftime shows with a powerhouse medley that included "Roar," "Teenage Dream" and "Firework" with appearances from Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliot.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
2014
Joined by special guests The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bruno Mars brought the funk to Super Bowl XLVIII with smash hits like "Locked Out of Heaven" and "Just the Way You Are."
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
2013
Beyoncé reunited with Destiny's Child band members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for a sizzling group performance during her headliner set.
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
2012
Madonna's powerhouse performance (including her hits "Give Me All Your Luvin," "Vogue," "Like a Prayer" and more) was almost upstaged my M.I.A.'s middle finger. Almost.
Kevin Mazur/Wireimage
2011
The Black Eyed Peas had a tough act to follow after The Who killed it in 2010. But the Grammy-winning group brought down the house during the Super Bowl XLV halftime show with their hits "I Gotta Feeling," "Boom Boom Pow" and "Let's Get It Started."
Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images
2010
The Who's lead singer Roger Daltrey and lead guitarist Pete Townshend added some serious rock n' roll to Super Bowl XLIV.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
2009
Jennifer Hudson belted out the National Anthem like only a Dreamgirl could at Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa.
Theo Wargo/WireImage
2007
From "Purple Rain" to "Let's Go Crazy," Prince brought the party to Florida during Super Bowl XLI.
Michael Zagaris/Getty Images
2006
The Rolling Stones were dishing out plenty of satisfaction during the Super Bowl XL halftime show with their classic rock hits "Start Me Up," "Rough Justice" and "I Can't Get No Satisfaction."
Michael Zagaris/Getty Images
2005
Paul McCartney rocked out during the Super Bowl XXXIX halftime show, playing a medley of songs including "Live and Let Die" and the Beatles hit "Hey Jude."
Al Bello/Getty Images
2003
No doubt Super Bowl XXXVII's halftime show was going to be a hit when Gwen Stefani joined Sting onstage for a duet of "Message in a Bottle."
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2003
Beyoncé is no stranger to the big game. She got her Latin flare on with Carlos Santana during the Super Bowl XXXVII pregame show and sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXXVIII the following year.
KMazur/WireImage
2002
Bono and the boys performed three of their hit songs when U2 hit the stage for a special 9/11 tribute performance during Super Bowl XXXVI.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
2001
Rock gods met pop superstars midgame at Super Bowl XXXV when Aerosmith was joined by *NSync, Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige for a star-studded halftime performance of "Walk This Way."
KMazur/WireImage
2001
Super Bowl XXXV began in true boy-band fashion with a Backstreet Boys rendition of the national anthem.
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2000
Phil Collins delivered with his performance of "Two Worlds" during Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta.
Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives
2000
Christina Aguilera and Enrique Iglesias helped entertain millions of fans with their performance of "Celebrate The Future Hand in Hand."

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