Super Bowl LIX captivated audiences on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, where the Kansas City Chiefs aimed for their historic third consecutive championship title against the Philadelphia Eagles. The event showcased not just athletic prowess but also electrifying entertainment, highlighted by Kendrick Lamar's breathtaking halftime performance.
The excitement began well before game time, with Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste opening the show by performing the national anthem. His rendition was both touching and uplifting, setting the tone for the grand event. Batiste, who hails from Metairie, Louisiana, captured the hearts of the local crowd with his soulful performance accompanied by his piano.
Following Batiste, the halftime show stole the spotlight as Kendrick Lamar took to the stage, marking him as the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl halftime event. Alongside him was the luminous SZA, who joined Kendrick for several unforgettable numbers. They performed hits from Lamar's extensive discography, including his Grammy-winning diss track “Not Like Us,” fueling chatter about his recent feud with fellow rapper Drake.
Samuel L. Jackson made a surprise appearance as Uncle Sam, delivering humorous commentary and enhancing the patriotic theme. He introduced Lamar with exuberance, saying, “Salutations, it’s your Uncle Sam, and this is your great American game.” The visual spectacle included dancers forming the American flag as Lamar opened with the track “HUMBLE.”
“I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue,” Lamar playfully teased before performing “Not Like Us,” cleverly alluding to his legal woes with Drake. The performance was packed with energy, flowing swiftly through fan favorites like “DNA,” “All the Stars,” and “Squabble Up.”
Serena Williams joined Lamar on stage, dancing to the beat of “Not Like Us.” Sporting her signature charisma, Williams added flair to the performance, exciting fans and viewers. Kendrick later expressed pride about collaborating with SZA, discussing the significance of being on stage together at such a monumental event.
“It reminds me of the essence and the core response of rap and hip-hop and how far it can go,” Kendrick stated during a pre-event press conference. He highlighted the importance of showcasing hip-hop culture on such a major platform, describing it as about more than just entertaining; it's about representing and respecting the art form.
The game itself turned out to be quite the spectacle, with the Eagles pulling out to a commanding lead by halftime, scoring 24 points. The score gap marked one of the Chiefs’ largest halftime deficits, which added to the intensity of the matchup.
Other moments of note included heartfelt performances of “America the Beautiful” by Christian singer Lauren Daigle and trombone virtuoso Trombone Shorty, both of whom celebrated New Orleans' rich musical heritage. Daigle reflected on the city’s cultural importance, stating, “It is great to be in New Orleans during this time with the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and Jazz Fest right after.”
The ad breaks were equally memorable, with Hellmann's resurrecting the iconic duo Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal from When Harry Met Sally for their advertisement, making countless nostalgic fans smile. Meanwhile, Instacart gathered beloved brand mascots for their commercial moment, reminiscing about classic Super Bowl advertisements over the years.
Super Bowl LIX also bore witness to prominent celebrities, including Taylor Swift, who was spotted supporting her boyfriend, Chief’s tight end Travis Kelce. Joined by friends Ice Spice and the Haim sisters, Swift’s presence garnered attention, especially when she met playful booing from the Philadelphia fans, yet she wore the moment with style and laughter.
Adding to the celebrity roster was former first lady Jill Biden, proudly donning Eagles green, maintaining her status as one of the team's most enthusiastic fans. President Trump's presence at the game made headlines as he became the first sitting U.S. president to attend the Super Bowl, positioning him alongside numerous A-list stars and sports legends.
John Batiste’s national anthem wasn’t the only musical salute to the day’s festivities; local icon Harry Connick Jr. collaborated with marching bands for pre-game honors, showcasing New Orleans’ vibrant jazz culture. The event masterfully encapsulated the spirit of both the Super Bowl and the host city, with the music and energy reverberated throughout.
With all eyes on the performances, the 2025 Super Bowl LIX gave fans unparalleled excitement both on and off the field. From Kendrick Lamar's commanding presence to the Philadelphia Eagles' astounding performance, the event firmly established itself as one for the history books, blending sports fervor with unparalleled entertainment.