Madonna will perform during the Super Bowl XLVI, it has been confirmed.

The superstar will take to the stage at half-time during the National Football League's biggest event on February 5 next year.

The performance has been rumoured for months, but was not made official until half-time of NBC's Lions-Saints game on Sunday night.

In 1998 Madonna was rumoured to be performing at Super Bowl XXXIII in Miami, but sadly the plans fell apart before a deal was reached.

The singer was brought in again just two years later for Super Bowl XXXV, but she backed out at the last minute.

Past performers at the Super Bowl include artists such as The Black Eyed Peas, who were watched by 162 million viewers last year.

Legendary acts including Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, The Who and Slash have also all played the event.

The Super Bowl was also the platform for Janet Jackson's memorable wardrobe malfunction in 2004 while performing alongside Justin Timberlake.

It is a busy time for the 53-year-old Madonna as she will also be promoting her first major directorial debut, W.E. two days before. The film follows the romance between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII and stars Andrea Riseborough.

The iconic star will also release a new album in 2012.

Super Bowl XLVI is being held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.