JAY-Z headlining the Super Bowl halftime show somehow surprised me and made complete sense at the same time. I get the criticism, though. Helping oversee the show and then taking the stage yourself feels a little like saying, “Give me your girl; you clearly don’t know what to do with her.” But let’s not act like Hov lacks the qualifications. The catalog is there. I just think he’ll need a few guests to make this performance as great as it can be. Here are five people I want him to bring out and the odds of them coming out to me.

5. Justin Timberlake (+200)

I know bringing Justin Timberlake onto another Super Bowl stage might not be the most popular suggestion after Nipplegate. For those who missed it, he pulled away part of Janet Jackson’s costume during their 2004 performance, briefly exposing her breast. A halftime show suddenly became a national emergency over a nipple.

However, for all of JAY-Z’s lyrical-miracle tracks, some of his most exciting records involve Justin. Personally, I’d prefer “Suit & Tie.” That song could turn the gigantic Super Bowl stage into something intimate, polished, and slick. My only hesitation is that it’s Justin’s song, but surely we can bend the rules for a little grown-man flyness.

Then there’s “Holy Grail,” which has an unbelievable buildup and an even crazier drop. I wouldn’t stay on it too long because the lyrics get a little stale, but that opening deserves its moment.

Bring Justin out, let him sing his ass off, and keep things moving. Free Justin!

4. Rihanna (+100)

When it comes to loyalty, Rihanna has held JAY-Z down for years. Why not show up for one of the biggest moments of his career?

They don’t have a ton of records together, but “Run This Town” feels like an obvious choice. It has that anthem-sized, fight-night energy that could sound incredible in a stadium. From there, let Rihanna run through a couple of her own stadium-ready hits before handing the mission back to Jay.

Having someone who’s already handled that Super Bowl stage could help, too. Rihanna knows what that spotlight feels like and how to command an audience that big. Plus, it would give her another shot at the stage after performing pregnant last time. We want Rihanna. I also think there’s a very good chance we will see her.

3. Mariah Carey (+1000)

A lot of people forget that JAY-Z and Mariah Carey have history. It was a long-ass time ago, but “Heartbreaker” didn’t record itself.

Yes, the Super Bowl happens after Christmas, but who says we have to stop being festive? Let them perform “Heartbreaker,” then give Mariah five minutes to send everybody back to December. Your decorations are probably still in the garage anyway.

In all seriousness, seeing Mariah on a stage that big would be a treat. She’s a legend whose surprise appearance could get viewers across generations excited. She also seems perfectly comfortable enjoying her own world, which would make the pop-up feel even more special. If anybody could convince her to join the party, I could see it being Jay.

2. Beyoncé (-1000)

You could argue that Beyoncé is the biggest artist on this list, and I’m absolutely willing to argue with you about it. Between her cultural impact, cross-generational hits, and ability to turn a performance into an event, she has a strong case.

She’s also JAY-Z’s wife, so he probably won’t have to go through seventeen assistants to ask. But what about the music? “Crazy in Love” feels like the obvious choice if she appears. They also have “Upgrade U,” “’03 Bonnie & Clyde,” and “Drunk in Love” available if they want to switch things up.

Of everyone on this list, Beyoncé feels like the safest bet to me. Nothing’s guaranteed, but I’d be more surprised if she didn’t appear. Put my imaginary odds at -1000. Yes, I expect to win about four cents.

1. Kanye West (+500)

Can you imagine Ye and JAY-Z reuniting on the Super Bowl stage? The only collab that would surprise me more is 50 Cent and Ja Rule somehow agreeing to share a halftime microphone.

Given the comments about Jay’s kids, I’d understand if Jay’s position were “f**k him for life.” Musically, though? This would be a home run. “N**as in Paris” might require enough censoring to turn it into an instrumental, but “Otis”? Absolutely. A full rendition of “Run This Town”? Absolutely. They also have the “POWER” remix, which could make that stage feel like a full-blown cinematic event.

Beyond the songs, seeing two artists with that much influence standing together after a falling-out would be monumental. I think it’s less likely than not, but I’d love to witness it.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.