Kendrick Lamar shines at Super Bowl LIX halftime show with SZA in a historic performance

The Super Bowl LIX, held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, was not just about the highly anticipated clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. The night also belonged to Kendrick Lamar, who headlined the halftime show with an electrifying and historic performance. At 37 years old, the Compton-born rapper became the first solo hip-hop artist to take center stage at the NFL’s biggest annual event. Accompanied by 35-year-old R&B sensation SZA, Lamar delivered a stunning showcase filled with visually captivating stage production, intricate choreography, and a setlist that highlighted his biggest hits, including “HUMBLE.,” “DNA.,” and the controversial “Not Like Us.” The audience in the stadium and millions of viewers worldwide witnessed a performance that reinforced Lamar’s stature as one of the most influential musicians of this generation.

This performance was particularly significant as Lamar carried the full weight of the show on his shoulders, unlike his previous appearance in Super Bowl LVI, where he shared the stage with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent. This time, it was his moment alone to captivate the audience. The show’s elaborate stage design mirrored the streets of Compton, a tribute to Lamar’s roots, reinforcing the authenticity and cultural depth of his music. SZA’s presence added a dynamic contrast to the performance, with her melodic vocals complementing Lamar’s high-energy verses, creating a balanced and engaging spectacle.

The audience in the stadium, including high-profile celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Serena Williams, responded with enthusiasm throughout the show. However, the most talked-about moment came when Lamar performed “Not Like Us,” a diss track directed at Drake, which has been at the center of one of the biggest rap feuds of recent years. The crowd erupted as Lamar performed the censored version of the track, and the energy peaked as he closed the show with “TV Off,” one of the standout songs from his latest album, GNX.

Kendrick Lamar’s journey to the Super Bowl LIX stage

Kendrick Lamar’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since his 2011 debut album Section.80, he has continuously pushed the boundaries of hip-hop, combining powerful storytelling with social and political commentary. His albums Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012), To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), and DAMN. (2017) have cemented his place among the greatest artists of his generation, earning him 17 Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Music.

Beyond his solo career, Lamar has collaborated with industry giants such as Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé. His first Super Bowl appearance in 2022 alongside a legendary lineup of hip-hop icons was a moment of recognition for the genre. However, his headlining spot in Super Bowl LIX took that recognition to another level, solidifying his influence on mainstream entertainment.

The impact of hip-hop at the Super Bowl and beyond

Kendrick Lamar’s presence at the halftime show is another testament to hip-hop’s growing influence on American culture. For decades, the Super Bowl halftime show was dominated by rock and pop artists, while hip-hop often took a secondary role. However, in recent years, the NFL has embraced the genre, following performances by artists like Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, and Eminem.

This shift highlights how hip-hop, once marginalized and misunderstood, has become the most dominant genre in modern music. The genre’s storytelling, cultural significance, and ability to connect with diverse audiences have made it an essential part of mainstream entertainment. Lamar’s performance on one of the biggest global stages serves as further validation of hip-hop’s evolution and lasting impact.

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX setlist

• Unreleased song
• “Fight”
• “HUMBLE.”
• “DNA.”
• “Man in the Garden”
• “Hide and Seek”
• “Luther” (featuring SZA)
• “All the Stars” (featuring SZA)
• “Not Like Us”
• “TV Off”

Each track was carefully chosen to deliver a seamless performance filled with energy and emotion. “Not Like Us” stood out as the most controversial moment, given its well-documented background in Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake. Meanwhile, “All the Stars,” which was featured on the Black Panther soundtrack, served as a reminder of Lamar’s contributions to pop culture beyond hip-hop.

Fun facts about the Super Bowl LIX halftime show

• Kendrick Lamar is the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
• This marked SZA’s first Super Bowl appearance, further elevating her status in the industry.
• The stage design was inspired by Compton, paying homage to Lamar’s upbringing.
• Serena Williams was seen dancing to “Not Like Us,” which quickly became a viral moment.
• Super Bowl LIX recorded one of the highest viewership ratings in history, with over 120 million viewers tuning in.

SZA’s role in the performance and her musical journey

SZA has emerged as one of the most influential voices in contemporary R&B. Her latest album, SOS, was one of the best-selling albums of 2024, solidifying her place in the industry. Her ability to blend R&B with pop and hip-hop influences has made her a standout artist in recent years.

At the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, SZA’s presence was crucial in balancing the overall performance. She performed “Luther” and “All the Stars” alongside Lamar, showcasing her vocal prowess and seamless chemistry with the rapper. Her participation further strengthened the show’s appeal and cemented her status as a top-tier performer.

Super Bowl LIX statistics and highlights

• The Super Bowl LIX halftime show had an estimated viewership of 120 million people.
• More than 500 dancers and 200 production staff contributed to the performance.
• Kendrick Lamar’s show was streamed by over 3 million people simultaneously online.
• The Super Bowl generated over $500 million in advertising revenue.
• The estimated cost of the halftime show production was $20 million.

Timeline of the Super Bowl LIX halftime show preparations and reactions

• January 2025: The NFL officially announces Kendrick Lamar as the headliner.
• February 1, 2025: Leaks of the potential setlist begin circulating in the media.
• February 7, 2025: Kendrick Lamar and SZA conduct their final rehearsals.
• February 9, 2025: The halftime show takes place, receiving immediate praise from fans and critics.
• February 10, 2025: “Not Like Us” surpasses 50 million views within 24 hours.