The Super Bowl isn’t just about football—it’s a cultural juggernaut that brings together sports, music, and millions of fans worldwide. Every year, the halftime show steals the spotlight, turning the game into a massive stage for the Mic at Super Bowl biggest names in entertainment. As we gear up for Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, one question dominates the conversation: who’s singing at Super Bowl 2025? Spoiler alert—Kendrick Lamar headlines the show, and he’s bringing some serious heat. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this epic performance, from the headliner to surprise guests, the latest updates, and why this moment matters.

Kendrick Lamar Takes Center Stage

Kendrick Lamar steps into the Super Bowl spotlight as the headliner for 2025, and fans can’t stop buzzing about it. Announced by the NFL on September 8, 2024, this marks a historic milestone—Kendrick becomes the first solo rapper to lead the halftime show. Hailing from Compton, California, Kendrick carries a reputation for lyrical genius, raw energy, and unapologetic storytelling. His music blends hip-hop with deep social commentary, earning him 20 Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize in 2018—the first for a non-classical or jazz artist.

This isn’t just another gig for Kendrick. Super Bowl LIX offers him a platform to reach over 120 million viewers, showcasing his artistry on an unprecedented scale. After dominating the charts and snagging five Grammys just days before the game on February 2, 2025, for his Drake diss track “Not Like Us,” Kendrick arrives in New Orleans riding a wave of momentum. Fans expect him to deliver a performance packed with hits like “Humble,” “Alright,” and, yes, that infamous “Not Like Us.” His set promises to blend high-energy anthems with moments of reflection, all wrapped in his signature West Coast vibe.

Why Kendrick Lamar’s Selection Rocks the Boat

Choosing Kendrick Lamar stirs up excitement—and a bit of controversy. For years, the Super Bowl halftime show leaned toward pop icons like Madonna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga or classic rock legends like The Rolling Stones. Hip-hop got its shine in 2022 when Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick himself teamed up for a West Coast takeover. That show smashed records and set a new bar, proving rap belongs on this stage. Now, Kendrick flies solo, carrying the torch for a genre that’s long fought for mainstream respect.

Some fans cheer this move, celebrating Kendrick’s raw talent and cultural impact. Others, though, raise eyebrows—why not a New Orleans native like Lil Wayne, given the game’s location? The NFL faced backlash after snubbing Wayne, prompting whispers of regret from league insiders. Still, Kendrick’s global appeal and recent victories—like outshining Drake in their highly publicized feud—make him a bold, undeniable choice. His performance aims to cement hip-hop’s place in Super Bowl history while pushing boundaries with a setlist that’s anything but predictable.

Special Guests: SZA, Serena, and More

Kendrick doesn’t roll alone—he brings a crew that amplifies the show’s star power. On February 9, 2025, SZA joined him on stage, igniting the crowd with her soulful voice and chart-topping hits. Known for “Snooze” and her album SOS, SZA shares a tight bond with Kendrick, both hailing from the Top Dawg Entertainment family. Their chemistry shines through, especially after their joint climb to Nos. 1 and 2 on the Billboard 200 post-Super Bowl, a first for halftime performers. Expect them to blend their styles, maybe even teasing tracks from their upcoming Grand National Tour kicking off in summer 2025.

Then comes the curveball—Serena Williams struts out, surprising everyone with a cameo that ties into Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” narrative. The tennis legend, once Mic at Super Bowl linked to Drake, dances alongside Kendrick, adding fuel to the feud’s fire. Her appearance sparks memes and chatter online, with fans calling it a mic-drop moment. Samuel L. Jackson also pops up as “Uncle Sam,” decked out in a patriotic suit, guiding the show with his booming voice. Rumors swirl about other guests—could Dr. Dre or Mustard join the party? Kendrick keeps us guessing, but one thing’s clear: this lineup packs a punch.

The Setlist: Hits, Disses, and Deep Cuts

Kendrick’s 12-minute set crams in a lifetime of music, balancing crowd-pleasers with bold statements. He kicks off with a nod to his latest album GNX, recreating its cover by sitting atop a Buick Regal—a car tied to his childhood. Tracks like “Peekaboo” and “Humble” get the stadium rocking, while “Alright” lifts spirits with its message of resilience. The big moment arrives when “Not Like Us” drops, censored but still sharp, jabbing at Drake with every beat. Over 133 million viewers tune in, making it the most-watched halftime show ever, topping Michael Jackson’s 1993 record.

Critics praise the theatrical flair—think video game-inspired stages and jaw-dropping camera work. Yet, some fans grumble, expecting more New Orleans flavor or a less divisive vibe. Kendrick doesn’t shy away from his edge, weaving in subtle nods like a $1.2 million necklace with 515 diamonds and a lowercase “a”—another dig at Drake. The setlist proves Kendrick plays by his own rules, delivering a performance that’s equal parts celebration and confrontation.

Breaking Records and Making History

Super Bowl LIX doesn’t just entertain—it shatters records. The game itself, pitting the Philadelphia Eagles against the Kansas City Chiefs, pulls in 126 million viewers, peaking at 137.7 million before halftime. Kendrick’s show pushes the needle further, hitting 133.5 million viewers, according to Roc Nation and the NFL. This beats out legends like Jackson, Prince, and Rihanna, cementing Kendrick’s place in halftime lore. The numbers reflect a cultural shift—hip-hop now commands the biggest stage in sports, and Kendrick leads the charge.

Beyond viewership, Kendrick and SZA make chart history. Post-performance, GNX surges back to No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while SOS climbs to No. 2. No halftime duo ever pulled that off before. The boost comes from streaming spikes and physical sales, proving the Super Bowl’s power to move the needle. For Kendrick, it’s a victory lap after a year of Grammy wins and tour announcements, showing his influence stretches far beyond music.

FAQs: 

1. Who headlines the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, and why does it matter?

Kendrick Lamar headlines Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, Mic at Super Bowl at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. This matters because he’s the first solo rapper to lead the show, marking a historic win for hip-hop. Fresh off five Grammy wins and a record-breaking 133.5 million viewers, Kendrick turns the halftime stage into a showcase of his artistry and influence.

2. Which special guests join Kendrick Lamar during the performance?

BHP SZA, Serena Williams, and Samuel L. Jackson lit up the stage with Kendrick. SZA brings her R&B magic, Serena adds a surprise twist tied to the Drake feud, and Jackson plays “Uncle Sam,” steering the show’s narrative. Rumors of Dr. Dre or Mustard linger, but these three steal the spotlight.

3. What songs does Kendrick perform at Super Bowl 2025, and why do fans care?

Isaiah Kendrick belts out “Humble,” “Alright,” “Peekaboo,” and “Not Like Us,” among others. Fans care because the set mixes anthems with deep cuts, plus that Drake Mic at Super Bowl diss track—censored but loaded with shade. It’s a tight 12-minute ride that blends celebration with confrontation, sparking endless debates.

To read more, Click Here