As the NFL continues its international series this week with the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars in London, the league will once again have a performance during halftime of the game.
Young pop star Ayra Starr will be on hand at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to perform for the London crowd in attendance. Starr is not necessarily someone fans would expect to perform in a London NFL game, but she does represent how the NFL wants to expand its reach throughout the rest of the world.
Starr is the latest artist to perform during halftime of an NFL game this year alone, joining the likes of the Jonas Brothers and One Republic. Here's why Starr was the choice for the NFL in the second London game of the season.
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Why is Ayra Starr performing at Eagles-Jaguars?
The NFL tabbed Ayra Starr to perform at halftime of the Eagles vs. Jaguars game in London as a sign of the league's global outreach. Starr is known for performing African inspired music, which will play into the NFL's desire to explore as many global markets as possible.
"The NFL London games are the foundation of everything we have built internationally, and the halftime show has become one of the biggest moments which makes these events so special," Tim Tubito, senior director of global game presentation, music and entertainment at the NFL, said, via NFL .com..
"London is one of the most influential music cities in the world, and African music has been at the center of that conversation for years now. Ayra Starr is a generational talent with a real connection to fans in this market, and building on the halftime shows we have staged in London in recent seasons, she is the right artist to carry that momentum forward. We look forward to collaborating with her on a performance that captures the energy that matches the moment."
Starr also mentioned that, even though she is not from London, she loves the city and accepts the responsibility of performing on such a global stage.
"I am so excited to perform at the NFL halftime show in London," Starr said. "London is one of my favorite places in the world and to bring Starrgirl to the NFL global stage is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to see you guys there!"
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Who is Ayra Starr?
Ayra Starr is a 24-year-old African pop star who has risen to fame in the past few years. She has released three studio albums, including Starr Girl which came out in August and has one song currently on the UK Afrobeats chart.
Starrgirl. Aug 14th https://t.co/mZi1b2VkLw https://t.co/lZXwr2QeGB
— Celestial being (@ayrastarr) May 8, 2026Starr has been nominated for two Grammys in her career, once in 2024 and again in 2026 for Best African Music Performance.
Where is Ayra Starr from?
Starr was born in Benin but raised Nigeria, which is where she first became famous. Starr appeared on a Nigerian television talent show as a kid, which led to her finding a career as a pop star, but she has since found success beyond her home continent.
