The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, often overshadowing the game itself for many viewers. It’s a 12-15 minute spectacle of music, dance, and visual artistry, drawing in a massive global audience. For Super Bowl LIX, held on February 9th, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation delivered a performance that celebrated the rich history and current vibrancy of hip-hop, with a distinct New Orleans flavor woven throughout.
The Headliner: Kendrick Lamar Takes Center Stage (Again)
The highly anticipated headliner for the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show was none other than the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar. This marked Lamar’s second appearance on the Super Bowl stage, having previously delivered a powerful performance as part of the star-studded lineup at Super Bowl LVI in 2022 alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige.
The announcement of Lamar as the sole headliner generated significant buzz, making him the first solo hip-hop artist to take on the full reins of the halftime show. In the lead-up to the event, Lamar expressed his excitement and the significance of the moment for the genre. “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” he stated. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.” He further emphasized the importance of showcasing hip-hop as a true art form on such a grand stage.
Special Guests Elevate the Performance
While Kendrick Lamar was the central figure, the halftime show was further amplified by the presence of several notable special guests, adding layers of collaboration and surprise to the performance:
SZA: The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter SZA joined Lamar on stage, much to the delight of fans. Their collaboration was highly anticipated, given their successful joint tracks like “All the Stars,” “luther,” and “30 for 30,” as well as their recently announced “Grand National Tour” set to kick off in April 2025. SZA’s soulful vocals and stage presence added a dynamic element to Lamar’s set.
Samuel L. Jackson: In a unique and recurring role throughout the performance, legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson appeared dressed as Uncle Sam. His satirical commentary and advice to Lamar between songs provided a narrative thread, offering social and cultural commentary that resonated with the themes often explored in Lamar’s music.
Serena Williams: Tennis icon Serena Williams, a Compton native like Lamar, made a cameo appearance as a dancer during the performance of “Not Like Us.” Her participation was a nod to her own history of performing the “crip walk,” a dance she famously did after winning at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Mustard: The acclaimed DJ and record producer Mustard also took the stage to perform alongside Lamar, adding his signature West Coast sound to the mix.
The Pregame Show: A Taste of Louisiana
Before the main event, the Super Bowl LIX pregame show featured a lineup of talented musicians with strong ties to the host city of New Orleans, setting a vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere:
Jon Batiste: The multi-talented Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste, a New Orleans native, delivered a powerful rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” His soulful and jazz-infused performance was a fitting tribute to his hometown and the nation.
Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle: Two more Louisiana natives, Trombone Shorty, a renowned trombonist and bandleader, and Lauren Daigle, a contemporary Christian music singer, collaborated on a performance of “America the Beautiful,” blending their unique musical styles.
Ledisi: Another celebrated R&B and jazz singer from Louisiana, Ledisi, performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the “Black national anthem,” adding a powerful and poignant moment to the pregame festivities.
Additionally, Stephanie Noqueras performed both the national anthem and “America the Beautiful” in American Sign Language, while Otis Jones IV signed “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and Matt Maxey provided ASL interpretation for the halftime show, ensuring inclusivity for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers.
Performance Synopsis and Setlist Insights
The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, directed by Hamish Hamilton and produced by Jesse Collins, Roc Nation, and PGLang, was a visually stunning and sonically engaging spectacle. The performance began with Kendrick Lamar and his backup dancers emerging from a classic 1980s Buick GNX onto a stage designed to resemble a part of a PlayStation controller, immediately grabbing the audience’s attention.
The setlist masterfully weaved through Lamar’s extensive discography, blending his politically charged anthems with his more introspective and commercially successful tracks. While the full official setlist was not released beforehand, snippets and reports following the performance offered insights into the songs performed:
The show opened with a portion of an unreleased track reportedly titled “Bodies,” setting a high-energy and enigmatic tone.
Samuel L. Jackson’s Uncle Sam character made intermittent appearances, offering satirical commentary that linked the musical segments and provided social context.
Performances of iconic tracks like “Humble,” “DNA,” and “Not Like Us” were met with enthusiastic responses from the crowd. The inclusion of “Not Like Us,” Lamar’s powerful track from 2024 that earned him multiple Grammy Awards, was particularly significant.
SZA joined Lamar for renditions of their collaborative hits, showcasing their musical chemistry and vocal prowess.
Mustard’s presence on stage during certain segments brought a distinct West Coast hip-hop flavor to the performance.
Serena Williams’ appearance during “Not Like Us” added a memorable visual element, connecting Lamar’s Compton roots with another global icon from the same city.
The choreography, stage design, and overall production value were top-notch, as is customary for the Super Bowl halftime show. The performance seamlessly transitioned between songs, keeping the energy high and the audience captivated.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show starring Kendrick Lamar, with his esteemed guests, generated a wide range of reactions online and in the media. Many praised the performance for its artistic merit, its celebration of hip-hop culture, and its thought-provoking social commentary. Lamar’s lyrical dexterity and stage presence were lauded, and the contributions of SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and Mustard were seen as adding unique and engaging dimensions to the show.
However, as with any Super Bowl halftime show, there were also some dissenting opinions. Some viewers expressed disappointment over the absence of certain popular songs from Lamar’s catalog, while others found the satirical interludes featuring Samuel L. Jackson to be disruptive or confusing.
Despite any criticisms, the halftime show undoubtedly left a lasting impact on popular culture. It sparked conversations about the evolution and significance of hip-hop, the role of music in social commentary, and the power of collaborative artistic expression. The performances likely led to increased streams and downloads of the featured artists’ music, further amplifying their reach and influence.
FAQs
Who performed the national anthem at Super Bowl 2025?
Jon Batiste, a New Orleans native and Grammy and Oscar winner, performed the national anthem during the pre-game ceremony.
Which artists performed “America the Beautiful” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”?
Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle performed “America the Beautiful,” while Ledisi delivered “Lift Every Voice and Sing” during the pre-game festivities.
Were there any surprise appearances during the halftime show?
Yes, professional tennis player Serena Williams made a cameo appearance during the performance of “Not Like Us,” performing a dance routine that referenced her 2012 Olympics celebration.
Was there any controversy associated with the halftime show?
During the halftime show, a field cast member displayed a Palestine-Sudan flag, leading to their detention and a lifetime ban from NFL events. The NFL stated that no one involved in the production was aware of the individual’s intentions.
Who directed the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show?
The performance was directed by Hamish Hamilton, who has been at the helm of the halftime show since 2010.
What was the significance of the “Game of America” theme in the performance?
The “Game of America” theme explored narratives of identity, resilience, and cultural pride, resonating with audiences and adding depth to the musical performances.
How did the halftime show reflect the cultural significance of rap and R&B?
The performance underscored the impact of rap and R&B in mainstream culture, with Lamar stating, “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date.” The inclusion of artists like SZA, Jon Batiste, and Ledisi showcased the diversity and depth of talent within the music industry.
What role did Apple Music play in the halftime show?
Apple Music was the title sponsor of the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, collaborating with the NFL and Roc Nation to produce the event.
How did the halftime show address themes of social justice and cultural identity?
Through song selection and thematic elements, the performance delved into issues of social justice and cultural identity, resonating with audiences and critics alike.
Were there any notable fashion moments during the halftime show?
SZA’s all-red leather outfit, designed by Ashton Michael, garnered attention and complemented the dynamic stage design and choreography.
How did the halftime show compare to previous performances?
Many viewed the 2025 halftime show as a standout, with its blend of musical artistry, thematic depth, and cultural commentary setting it apart from previous performances.
To conclude
In conclusion, the Super Bowl LIX halftime show was a multifaceted spectacle that transcended mere entertainment. Kendrick Lamar’s headlining performance, complemented by SZA and other guest appearances, delivered a powerful narrative that resonated with audiences worldwide. The show’s thematic exploration of identity, resilience, and cultural pride, coupled with high-caliber musical performances, underscored the enduring impact of rap and R&B in contemporary culture. Despite some controversies, the event was celebrated for its artistic direction and its ability to address pertinent social issues, solidifying its place as a memorable chapter in Super Bowl history.
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