Andy Devaney
If you thought the NFL London Halftime Show couldn’t get any bigger, think again. On Sunday, October 5, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will swap helmets for high notes as British music powerhouse RAYE takes centre stage during the Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns clash presented by NetApp.
With her debut album My 21st Century Blues sending shockwaves across the charts, RAYE has bulldozed her way into the upper tier of global music. Her breakout single Escapism didn’t just top playlists—it helped her haul in a record-breaking six BRIT Awards in 2024, the most ever won in a single year.
She’s since headlined Glastonbury, charmed Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, and even made Academy Award and GRAMMY history by pulling off the rare trick of being nominated as both “Best New Artist” and “Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical)” in the same year.
“I’m very grateful to NFL for inviting me and the band to perform during this halftime show,” said RAYE. “Hopefully we can provide a memorable and entertaining moment for the crowd and viewers at home.”
NFL executives are just as giddy. “London continues to be a second home for the NFL, and each year we look to elevate the entertainment we bring to fans,” said Tim Tubito, senior director of global game presentation and entertainment at the NFL.
“RAYE is one of the U.K.’s most exciting artists, and we know she’ll deliver an incredible performance for our fans which continues to showcase the NFL’s approach to providing the best in sports and entertainment.”
And that’s not all. To get the goosebumps going before kickoff, singer-songwriter Pixie Lott will belt out the English National Anthem.
“Singing the National Anthem before the game is a massive honour,” said Lott. “I know the energy is going to be electric and getting to be a part of that, representing my country, is very special. I can’t wait to see the stadium full of fans for what’s going to be an incredible day.”
The NFL’s London adventure is hardly a one-off sideshow. Since 2007, the city has hosted 40 regular-season games, building a legacy that’s part sport, part spectacle. “The NFL is committed to delivering an unforgettable gameday experience for fans in London,” said Henry Hodgson, general manager of NFL U.K. & Ireland.
“We are proud of the legacy we’ve built here, and want to meet our fans’ expectations of a premium sporting and entertainment experience by bringing premium artists like RAYE to perform at NFL London games halftime shows.”
This year’s NFL London Halftime Show will be powered by NetApp, the league’s Global Official Intelligent Data Infrastructure partner. Off the field, the NFL continues to grow its footprint across Britain with grassroots initiatives, community events, and the increasingly popular NFL Flag program.
So on October 5, while the Browns and Vikings battle for field position, expect RAYE to run her own playbook—one filled with powerhouse vocals, stage presence, and a few million fans on both sides of the pond left wondering why she hasn’t been doing halftime shows all along.
For the latest on the 2025 NFL London games and the NFL London Halftime Show, follow @nflukire on Instagram, X and TikTok.
