Kendrick Lamar is set to take the spotlight at the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, and he’s bringing his tour-mate and collaborator, R&B superstar SZA, along for the ride. The highly anticipated performance will take place on February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, promising an unforgettable fusion of Lamar’s groundbreaking rap and SZA’s soulful R&B on one of the world’s most iconic stages. Apple Music confirmed the news on Thursday (January 23) with a teaser video posted to X (formerly Twitter), featuring a playful moment between the two artists.
The clip shows SZA surprising Lamar, who appears on the phone, with a classic Gatorade shower on the Superdome turf. The clip, soundtracked by Lamar’s track "Hey Now" from his latest album GNX, hints at the high-energy chemistry the duo plans to bring to the show, with Lamar teasing fans about a surprise guest performer, adding intrigue to what is already shaping up to be a spectacle.
For Kendrick Lamar, this headlining slot is a career milestone. Though he previously appeared as a guest during the 2022 halftime show alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige, this will be his first time taking center stage as the main act. The Compton rapper, known for his genre-defining artistry and socially charged lyrics, is no stranger to commanding a global audience and delivering high-stakes performances. When his Super Bowl debut as the main act was announced last September, Lamar stated confidently, "Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why." This self-assured declaration proves he’s more than ready to captivate the world with his charisma—a confidence undoubtedly well-deserved.
Lamar’s star power is undeniable, with 2024 being a standout year for the rapper, bolstered by the surprise release of his critically acclaimed album GNX in November. The album’s lead single, "Not Like Us," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and his fiery online feud with Drake only added to his cultural dominance. Despite controversy surrounding diss tracks and legal drama—culminated by Drake’s defamation suit against Universal Music Group—Lamar’s music continues to thrive, with streams of his catalog soaring.
Adding SZA to the halftime show lineup only amplifies the buzz. The duo has a history of acclaimed collaborations, including the Grammy-nominated "All the Stars" and two standout tracks on GNX—"Luther" and "Gloria." The R&B powerhouse, known for her ethereal vocals and raw, confessional songwriting, is set to co-headline the North American leg of the Grand National Tour with Lamar this April. Their joint Super Bowl performance will serve as a thrilling prelude to the tour’s stadium run later this year.
The halftime show, produced by Roc Nation and Jesse Collins with creative direction by pgLang, promises to deliver a visually and sonically stunning experience. While the setlist remains under wraps, fans are already speculating about potential surprises, drawing from Lamar and SZA’s extensive catalogs of hits. Whether it’s anthems like "HUMBLE." and "DNA." or emotional favorites from SZA, the show is expected to celebrate the full spectrum of their careers.
Tradition dictates with all Super Bowl halftime performers, Lamar and SZA will not pocket a paycheck for their performance. While the NFL covers production costs, artists typically waive performance fees, leveraging the Super Bowl’s unparalleled exposure. Last year’s headliner, Usher, saw a 550% spike in Spotify streams following his record-breaking performance, which drew 129.3 million viewers—the most-watched halftime show ever.
Super Bowl LIX kicks off at 6:30 p.m. EST on Fox, with the halftime show slated to begin between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., depending on the game’s progress. The competing teams will be decided this Sunday, as the Kansas City Chiefs face the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship and the Washington Commanders take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship.
For fans, the excitement is palpable. With SZA by his side and an arsenal of hits at his disposal, Kendrick Lamar is poised to deliver a halftime show for the ages. Whether you’re tuning in for the game, the music, or both, one thing is certain: February 9 is shaping up to be an unmissable night.