Karol G will headline the halftime show during YouTube’s first exclusive NFL live broadcast set to take place at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil, in September, YouTube and the National Football League announced Thursday (Aug. 14).
Celebrating the “Sounds of Latin America through Gameday Entertainment,” the 2025 NFL São Paulo game set for Sept. 5 will be a face-off between the reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers.
“I’m so excited to be part of YouTube’s first-ever NFL live broadcast, it’s truly an honor and a moment I’m so proud to be part of,” the Colombian artist, who’s making the rounds with her Billboard No. 1 album Tropicoqueta, said in a press statement. “I’ve watched many NFL halftime shows over the years and now having this opportunity to bring my music to this global stage means the world to me. I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone in São Paulo and fans all around the world.”
As part of the ongoing collaboration between the NFL and YouTube, the upcoming Chiefs and Chargers game marks YouTube’s first-ever exclusive live NFL game. In addition to Karol helming the halftime show, Brazilian artist Ana Castela will perform the country’s national anthem “Hino Nacional Brasileiro,” and composer and jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington will perform the U.S. national anthem.
“This broadcast is a landmark moment in our partnership with the NFL, where the worlds of football, music and creators will powerfully collide,” said Angela Courtin, VP of Sports and Entertainment Marketing at YouTube. “From the real-life manifestation of our creator community in São Paulo to a global icon like Karol G taking the stage at halftime, this partnership with the NFL is a testament to our shared vision. It’s about more than just a game; it’s a statement that the future of live sports and entertainment is global and connected.”
Tim Tubito, senior director, Global Game Presentation and Entertainment at the NFL, added: “With our incredible NFL fan base in Brazil and across the world, we worked hand-in-hand with our YouTube partners to tap into the larger Latin Pop music scene with an innovative, global artist.”
The week 1 matchup will stream free on YouTube on Sept. 5, beginning with YouTube’s pre-game show at 7 p.m. ET and the game kicking off at 8 p.m. ET.
