Kendrick Lamar is set to headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, taking place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. Following the dazzling performance by Beyoncé during the Christmas Day football game this year, Kendrick faces the challenge of following such high expectations.
The National Football League (NFL) made the announcement with much enthusiasm, highlighting Lamar’s unique contribution to the music industry. Seth Dudowsky, NFL's Head of Music, stated, "Few artists have impacted music and culture as deeply as Kendrick Lamar." Lamar himself reinforced the significance of rap music, saying, "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." These affirmations set the tone for what is expected to be a memorable performance.
Kendrick's connection to the Super Bowl isn't new—he previously co-headlined the Super Bowl LVI halftime show alongside icons like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. That 2022 performance was critically acclaimed and won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live). With such accolades behind him, there's no doubt fans are excited about the upcoming show.
His newest album, titled GNX, has been creating waves since it reached No. 1 on Billboard’s album chart late last year and was named Album of the Year by several notable publications, including Complex. Through it all, Lamar has consistently exemplified what it means to be at the forefront of hip-hop culture and its evolution. With lyrics rich with sports references, the album seems tailor-made for the Super Bowl stage.
While his setlist remains under wraps, fans can speculate about potential inclusions. Over the years, Lamar has delivered hits like "HUMBLE," “Alright,” and “Money Trees,” which resonate strongly with audiences. The anticipation surrounding his song choices is palpable, especially considering his extensive discography. Songs likely to make their way to the halftime performance have already seen substantial streaming success, with tracks like "m.A.A.d city" and the recent collaboration with Future known for their electrifying energy.
Collaborations are also at the forefront of fans’ minds. Many are eager to see who might join him on stage. Lil Wayne, who hails from New Orleans, has openly commented on the recent selection controversy and hinted at discussions with Lamar, expressing his desire for him to ‘kill it’ during the show. Further, with Lamar’s upcoming Grand National Tour alongside SZA, excitement builds around the possibility of seeing her featured as well, as both have collaborated on popular tracks such as "Luther" and "All the Stars."
Despite the buzz around the show, it’s worth noting the financial aspect. Halftime performers typically receive payments according to union scale, which is significantly less than what they earn for solo concerts. For Kendrick, the rate is reported to be around $450 plus additional payment for band members. Yet, the exposure and prestige of headlining the Super Bowl far outweigh these monetary factors.
Production for the halftime show will be managed by DPS, with creative direction from Lamar’s own PGLang company, known for its innovative approach demonstrated during his Big Steppers tour. This assures fans of a fresh and visually stunning representation of Lamar’s artistry on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Past performances at the Super Bowl have set high bars, with artists like Usher and Rihanna drawing record viewership. Usher’s show at the 2024 Super Bowl became the most viewed performance ever, earning several Emmy nominations, raising the stakes for Kendrick as he steps onto this celebrated platform.
The location itself, the Caesars Superdome, is familiar to Super Bowl viewers, having hosted multiple championship games. With ticket prices reaching upwards of $7,350 for premium packages, excitement around the event continues to swell. Even with the overwhelming fanfare and anticipation, Lamar's return to the Super Bowl, especially following the success of his past performances and the release of his latest music, presents the perfect storm for what is sure to be another iconic halftime show.
The 2025 Super Bowl is not just another football game; it is also about music, culture, and community backing from all sides. Lamar’s performance is not only significant for the celebration of hip-hop but also as part of the historic and cultural fabric of the Super Bowl, one of America's biggest sporting events.
With just months left until the event, the buzz continues to grow. Kendrick Lamar, the Grammy-winning artist and cultural touchstone, is poised to deliver not only songs but also messages through his music, reminding fans of his powerful influence. Will he outshine the expectations set by pop royalty Beyoncé? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—when Kendrick takes the stage, he will undoubtedly strive to leave fans with unforgettable memories.
Set your calendars for February 9, 2025; this is one performance you won’t want to miss.
