Kaskade to Replace Tiësto as Super Bowl’s First In-Game DJ

Grammy-winning DJ Tiësto dropped out of his slot as the Super Bowl’s first in-game DJ due to a family emergency, the musician announced Thursday. It was announced later Thursday night that Kaskade would replace him during the big game.

“A personal family emergency is forcing me to return home Sunday morning,” Tiësto wrote on social media. “It was a tough decision to miss the game, but family always comes first.”

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Kaskade and the NFL announced in a shared post on Instagram later Thursday night that Kaskade would be the first in-game DJ.

“As a kid who grew up in Chicago watching the Super Bowl every year with my family this chance to actually be part of it is absolutely mind blowing,” Kaskade wrote before turning his focus to the Super Bowl city of Las Vegas. “Las Vegas has been my second home for the past decade, as an architect of creating a landscape that includes House and Dance Music residencies as part of its destination. To be able to be the first Electronic Musician to be part of the full game experience of the Super Bowl held in Las Vegas seems like coming home, and I’m beyond excited to represent my community.”

The Hollywood Reporter first reported in January that DJ Tiësto was set to perform as the Super Bowl DJ. He was scheduled to play a set during the players’ warm-up in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, as well as spin music during featured breaks within the game.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Super Bowl LVIII!” Tiësto said at the time. “And it’s even more incredible that it’s in my favorite place — Las Vegas. Thank you to the NFL for having me. I cannot wait to party with you all at the big game!”

In his announcement this week, Tiësto wrote that he and his team “have been preparing something truly special for months.” He thanked the NFL for their “collaboration” and noted he was “looking forward to working with them to deliver something incredible together in the future.”

Past DJ pre-game performers include DJ Khaled, Zedd, D-Nice and DJ Snake.

Usher will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday, when the Kansas City Chiefs will take on the San Francisco 49ers. Pre-game performers include Reba McEntire (“The Star-Spangled Banner”), Post Malone (“America the Beautiful”) and Andra Day (“Lift Every Voice and Sing”).

Feb. 9, 6:33 a.m. This story has been updated to note Kaskade replacing Tiësto.

This story was first published on Feb. 8 at 2:10 p.m.

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