Luke Combs Cancels Super Bowl Show Amid Wife's Pregnancy

Country star pulls out of Madden Bowl pre-party to be with family

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Country music star Luke Combs has unexpectedly canceled his scheduled performance at the Madden Bowl, the Super Bowl pre-party in San Francisco, citing family commitments as his wife, Nicole Hocking Combs, prepares for the birth of their third child. Combs' decision highlights a growing trend among high-profile artists to prioritize personal life over professional obligations, even during major events like the Super Bowl.

Why it matters

Combs' last-minute withdrawal, coupled with similar decisions by other artists in recent years, suggests a shift in values in the entertainment industry. This isn't simply about scheduling conflicts; it's a deliberate choice to place family needs above the demands of a high-pressure performance. This trend represents a significant change, as the Super Bowl halftime show and surrounding events were once considered career-defining moments for musicians.

The details

EA Sports, the event organizer, acknowledged the situation, stating Combs 'has to hold it down at home with a new one on the way.' Zach Bryan will now headline the Madden Bowl, alongside Teddy Swims, Stephen Wilson Jr., Gavin Adcock, and LaRussell. This situation raises questions about the future of event planning for large-scale entertainment, as event organizers may need to build more flexibility into artist contracts and anticipate potential last-minute changes due to personal circumstances.

  • Luke Combs pulled out of the Madden Bowl just one day before the event.

The players

Luke Combs

A country music star who has unexpectedly canceled his scheduled performance at the Madden Bowl, the Super Bowl pre-party in San Francisco, to be with his wife as she prepares for the birth of their third child.

Nicole Hocking Combs

Luke Combs' wife, who is preparing to give birth to their third child.

EA Sports

The organizer of the Madden Bowl event, who acknowledged Combs' situation and stated that he 'has to hold it down at home with a new one on the way.'

Zach Bryan

The artist who will now headline the Madden Bowl, replacing Luke Combs.

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What they’re saying

“Combs 'has to hold it down at home with a new one on the way.'”

— EA Sports, Event Organizer (newsy-today.com)

The takeaway

This situation highlights a growing trend in the entertainment industry where artists are prioritizing their personal lives and family commitments over professional obligations, even during high-profile events like the Super Bowl. This shift in values could lead to more flexible artist contracts, increased demand for backup performers, and a greater emphasis on artist well-being programs, as the industry adapts to a new reality where performers are viewed as individuals with lives beyond their careers.