2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show: Key Details You Need to Know
Kendrick Lamar is making his return to the Super Bowl stage!
On Sunday, Sept. 7, the 37-year-old Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper revealed he will headline the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show on Feb. 9, 2025. The announcement, made five months ahead of the big game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, came from the NFL, Apple Music, Roc Nation, and Lamar, who shared a video announcement on his YouTube channel.
Lamar’s Announcement
In the video, the 17-time Grammy-winning artist stands in front of a massive American flag on a football field. As the camera captures the moment, he confidently operates an automatic passing machine, launching footballs into the air with precision and focus. The imagery blends the game’s energy with Lamar’s unique style, setting the stage for what promises to be a captivating performance.
“My name’s Kendrick Lamar and I’ll be performing at Super Bowl LIX,” the MC announces in the clip. “Will you be pulling up? I hope so. You know it’s only one opportunity to win a championship. No round twos.”
“I don’t want you to miss it. Meet me in New Orleans. Feb. 9, 2025,” Lamar continues. “Wear your best dress, too, even if you watch it from home.”
The video concludes with a striking display of the Super Bowl date and the Apple Music logo, leaving viewers excited for the event. Meanwhile, fans can start looking ahead at the Week 17 odds, which could influence the matchups and set the stage for a thrilling Super Bowl showdown.
Lamar, Back in 2022
Lamar previously took the Super Bowl stage in 2022, joining an all-star lineup that included Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent for Dr. Dre’s iconic halftime performance at Super Bowl LVI.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Lamar expressed his excitement about the upcoming halftime performance: “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
JAY-Z, whose Roc Nation company collaborates with the NFL to choose the halftime show performer, also shared his thoughts: “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision.”
He further states, “He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Lamar’s Recent History
Lamar’s highly anticipated Super Bowl performance in February comes after a monumental 2024. While he hasn’t released a new album since 2022’s Mr Morale & the Big Steppers, he made waves this year with two No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100: “Like That” (featuring Future and Metro Boomin) and the summer hit “Not Like Us.”
In addition to his musical successes, Lamar found himself in the midst of a public feud with Drake that lasted several months. The two rappers exchanged diss tracks, adding fuel to the ongoing rivalry. Lamar’s most recent performance took place on June 19 at the Kia Forum, where he brought together an impressive roster of West Coast artists, including Tyler, the Creator, Roddy Ricch, Ty Dolla $ign, YG, and others for a special Juneteenth celebration.
He closed the show by performing “Not Like Us” multiple times, marking the first-ever live rendition of the track. Lamar later released the music video for the song on July 4, further cementing the track’s place in his impressive year.
Other Halftime Guests
Kendrick Lamar, known for his extensive collaborations throughout his career, has worked with various artists, from Taylor Swift to SZA and Travis Scott. With such a broad network of talented peers, the possibilities for surprising the Super Bowl audience with special guests are endless. While not all of them will appear, here are some artists we hope to see join Lamar on the world’s biggest stage.
Lil Wayne
Hip-hop icons, from Master P to Nicki Minaj, have voiced their support for Lil Wayne, hoping the rapper would be selected as the Halftime Show headliner with the game taking place in his hometown. However, there’s still a chance for Wayne to make an appearance if Kendrick Lamar decides to bring him out.
The two collaborated in 2018 on the Carter V standout “Mona Lisa,” which reached No. 2 on the Hot 100. Though Wayne recently admitted to forgetting the lyrics to the track, he may need to brush up a bit before stepping onto the Super Bowl stage.
SZA
SZA has accomplished a lot in her career in recent years, and a Super Bowl appearance alongside her Top Dawg Entertainment collaborator, Kendrick Lamar, could be another major milestone. Her hit “All The Stars,” a top 10 hit on the Hot 100, became a standout on Black Panther: The Album. Given its success, the track would be a welcomed addition to the Super Bowl halftime setlist.
Travis Scott
Travis Scott had his first Super Bowl moment in 2019 when he performed “SICKO MODE” alongside Maroon 5 and Big Boi. This time, he could return for a performance of “Goosebumps” with Kendrick Lamar, a track that has become a staple in La Flame’s discography. It would be the perfect addition to his Circus Maximus Tour and a thrilling moment for Super Bowl fans.
Final Words
Kendrick Lamar’s return to the Super Bowl stage is shaping to be one of the most anticipated performances in recent memory. With his remarkable career, numerous collaborations, and influence on hip-hop culture, Lamar is poised to deliver an unforgettable halftime show. Fans can expect an electrifying performance as he brings his unique style and talent to the world’s biggest stage.
The possibility of surprise guest appearances only adds to the excitement, with artists like Lil Wayne, SZA, and Travis Scott potentially joining him for a memorable set. As Super Bowl LIX approaches, all eyes will be on Kendrick Lamar as he continues to define and elevate hip-hop, cementing his place as one of the genre’s most iconic figures.
