On Thursday, February 5, 2026, one of the most‑anticipated entertainment events of Super Bowl week experienced a major last‑minute change, as country superstar Luke Combs withdrew from headlining the Madden Bowl concert in San Francisco, citing a family reason that has fans watching closely. The announcement came just one day before the high‑profile music and gaming celebration scheduled for Friday, February 6 at the Chase Center , part of the official festivities leading up to Super Bowl LX.
About the Madden Bowl and Its Place in Super Bowl Week
The Madden Bowl , presented by EA Sports , has become a significant cultural event during Super Bowl weekend, blending live music, celebrity appearances, esports tournaments, athlete meet‑ups, and fan experiences into one night of entertainment. In recent years, it’s emerged as one of the must‑see shows of the Super Bowl calendar, drawing influencers and talent from across the worlds of music and sports.
For 2026, EA Sports had unveiled a stacked lineup, with Luke Combs and Teddy Swims slated as headliners, alongside rising country artists Stephen Wilson Jr., Gavin Adcock, and Bay Area rapper LaRussell. A blue‑carpet pre‑show was also planned, hosted by NFL athletes and entertainment personalities, making the event one of the most talked‑about Super Bowl festivities in the Bay Area.
Luke Combs’ Decision: Family First
Shortly after plans were confirmed, the unexpected happened: Combs announced that he would not perform at the Madden Bowl. According to EA Sports, the country star withdrew on February 5 to remain at home as he and his wife Nicole Hocking prepare for the imminent birth of their third child. Combs, 35, shared that “family always comes first” when confirming the decision on social media, emphasizing his support for his spouse and expanding family.
This personal and heartfelt reason resonated with many fans, particularly as the birth of a child is a universally relatable milestone. The decision also underscores how even high‑profile performers prioritize personal life events amid busy professional schedules.
New Headliner: Zach Bryan Steps In
In place of Combs, fellow country artist Zach Bryan has been named the new headliner for the Madden Bowl concert on February 6, ensuring the show will still deliver a high‑energy musical experience. Bryan’s addition adds a fresh twist to the event while maintaining its country and pop crossover vibe. Alongside him, Teddy Swims , known for his soulful fusion of R&B and pop , continues to be featured, giving fans multiple compelling performances to look forward to.
Other previously announced performers such as Stephen Wilson Jr., Gavin Adcock, and LaRussell will also remain part of the lineup, preserving much of the event’s original entertainment promise and ensuring a night of memorable live music, gaming showcases, and celebrity appearances.
Significance of the Change for Fans and Super Bowl Week
The last‑minute shift in headliners highlights the unpredictable nature of live entertainment logistics and the human elements behind major events. For many fans attending Madden Bowl or tuning in online, the focus will now partly shift to Zach Bryan’s performance and how he steps into the spotlight on short notice. Meanwhile, Combs’ decision has generated supportive reactions from across the country music community, with many applauding his dedication to family above all else.
As a key kickoff to Super Bowl festivities, Madden Bowl’s entertainment pivot also reverberates into the broader schedule of celebrity and pop‑culture happenings surrounding Super Bowl LX, including pre‑game parties, media events, and major press coverage. Fans tracking the celebrations can expect dynamic moments across music, sports, and fashion , with Madden Bowl now promising an exciting mix despite the headline change.
Looking Ahead
With the Madden Bowl now set to go forward February 6 at the Chase Center under a revised lineup, attention will quickly pivot back to the Super Bowl LX weekend, where the halftime show and other star‑studded performances continue to draw wide interest. The shift in headliners has added a fresh storyline to an already bustling entertainment week , one that blends celebrity culture, country music, fan experiences, and the thrill of major‑league sports into a single weekend spectacle.
This unexpected change underscores both the high stakes of live event production and the personal lives at play behind headline‑making performers , a reminder that even in the spotlight, family remains a priority for many of today’s top entertainers.