LONDON (AP) — The NFL has been spicing up its international games with halftime performers, a bit like mini-Super Bowls.
British rapper Giggs performed Sunday at halftime of the game between the New York Jets and Denver Broncos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Broncos won 13-11.
“It’s a huge moment to be a part of the London Games," Giggs said. "I’ve been on a journey with my music, and to get to share that with my city and the NFL fans is something I’m really proud of.”
The south London native's 2007 single “Talkin’ da Hardest” remains a popular anthem among his fans. Cleveland Browns players unfamiliar with the song liked what they heard when it was played last week.
Giggs has done collaborations with artists including Drake, 21 Savage, Ed Sheeran and Dave.
Last week, British singer Raye performed a halftime show at Tottenham with a nearly seven-minute set that included her hit “Where is My Husband!” The Minnesota Vikings beat Cleveland 21-17 in the game.
British singer-songwriter Myles Smith was chosen to headline the halftime show at the first-ever regular-season NFL game in Ireland. At Croke Park, the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Vikings 24-21 two weeks ago.
Last month, Grammy award-winning Karol G performed in São Paulo, Brazil when the Los Angeles Chargers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21 at Corinthians Arena.
Bad Bunny will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, California.
The NFL has been on an aggressive international growth pattern, so expect more to come.
"Bringing the best in sports and entertainment is what the international games are all about,” said Tim Tubito, senior director of global game presentation and entertainment at the NFL.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
British rapper Giggs performs during halftime show during the NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and New York Jets Sunday, Oct. 12, 20205, in London. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
British rapper Giggs performs during the halftime show at an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in London. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
Singer, Raye performs at half-time during the NFL game between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
KOHALA, Hawai‘i--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 15, 2026--
Kuleana Rum Works, the Hawai‘i-based distillery known for its additive-free, award-winning rums, today announced the release of “An Open Letter on Additive-Free Rum,” written by Founder & CEO Steve Jefferson, addressing why rum is now facing the same scrutiny and market shift that reshaped tequila a decade ago.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260107792953/en/
Consumers across spirits are demanding more honesty about how products are made. Additive-free labeling has already transformed tequila and is reshaping whiskey and RTDs. Drinkers now expect producers to protect natural flavor instead of masking it, and bartenders increasingly use transparency as a measure of quality. The letter positions rum as the next category entering this accountability cycle, as more consumers begin to question undisclosed sweeteners, flavorings and added color.
Tequila provides the clearest precedent. Producers who embraced additive-free methods helped premiumize the category, while brands relying on undisclosed additives now face growing skepticism. According to the letter, rum is approaching the same turning point. Jefferson explains that Kuleana Rum Works was founded on additive-free principles: growing heirloom Hawaiian kō (sugarcane), fermenting and distilling fresh juice at lower proof to preserve natural character, adding nothing after distillation and holding all blending partners to the same standards. Every rum — whether distilled in Hawai‘i or sourced — is verified additive-free through independent lab testing and supplier documentation.
“Consumer expectations are changing fast across spirits,” said Steve Jefferson, Founder and CEO of Kuleana Rum Works. “People want honesty in what they drink, and they’re rewarding producers who protect natural flavor rather than covering it up. Additive-free isn’t a trend — it’s becoming the standard, and rum is now facing that shift head-on.”
Additional detail in the letter underscores how production choices such as fresh juice fermentation, low-proof distillation and a strict no-additives policy create transparency and flavor integrity that align with what the market is valuing.
About Kuleana Rum Works
Founded on the island of Hawai‘i in 2013, Kuleana Rum Works crafts award-winning, additive-free rums — led by its signature Hawaiian Rum Agricole® — from fresh kō (heirloom Hawaiian sugarcane) grown on its regenerative Kohala farm. Now available in 17 states and Japan, Kuleana Rum Works champions excellence, transparency and community stewardship. Visit kuleanarum.com to learn more.
https://kuleanarum.com/additive-free/
