The 2025 Super Bowl is shaping up to be a spectacle like no other, with an exciting halftime show set to feature some of the biggest names in the music industry. Scheduled for February 9, this highly anticipated game will not only showcase football excellence, with the Kansas City Chiefs aiming for their third straight Vince Lombardi Trophy against the formidable Philadelphia Eagles, but also feature a star-studded halftime performance.
This year’s halftime show will be headlined by Kendrick Lamar, marking his first time leading the Super Bowl performance. Known for his lyrical genius and socially conscious music, Lamar’s anticipated performance follows his successful year, including Grammy nominations and chart-topping hits. Fans can expect his Super Bowl set to make a powerful statement.
Joining Lamar on stage will be SZA, who has had a stellar 2024, including her acclaimed tour for the album SOS. SZA’s dynamic energy and soulful voice will add depth to the performance, especially with their collaborative work. Their chemistry, showcased through previous hits, is something audiences will eagerly await.
Adding to the musical diversity of the event, Jon Batiste will perform the national anthem. Batiste, who hails from New Orleans, infuses his jazz background with vibrant performances. He’s expected to deliver a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” setting the tone for the night.
The halftime show will also spotlight Grammy-winning artist Ledisi performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing," dubbed the 'Black national anthem.' She will be joined by renowned trombonist Trombone Shorty and singer Lauren Daigle, who will be performing “America the Beautiful.” Together, these artists will celebrate New Orleans’ rich musical heritage and provide a soulful backdrop to the game.
With such a diverse and talented lineup, the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show promises to be unforgettable. From the lyrical brilliance of Lamar to SZA's captivating melodies, the show aims to offer something for everyone watching. Yet, as fans gear up for the performances, controversy looms from elected officials who sent letters urging organizers to keep the content family-friendly.
These officials expressed concerns rooted in past halftime shows, citing incidents involving artists like Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna, which generated complaints about explicit content. They stated, “Considering the increasingly vile halftime performances at past Super Bowls, it can be reasonably anticipated... inappropriate for children to watch.” The officials indicated it's too late to modify this year's performance but called for future contracts to include guidelines reflecting state decency standards.
Despite these concerns, the anticipation for Kendrick Lamar's performance remains high. Fans are left to speculate if he will incorporate songs from his recent album, especially the diss track “Not Like Us,” which has made headlines due to its connection to his feud with Drake. The song, which has reached massive streaming numbers, could heighten the show’s drama.
The 2025 Super Bowl will be broadcast live on FOX, with the halftime show slated to begin after the second quarter, expected around 8 p.m. ET. Viewers can also stream the event for free on Tubi or through various DirecTV and Fubo services.
With the Chiefs and Eagles poised to deliver an electrifying game and the halftime show promising world-class performances, Super Bowl LIX is set to be more than just another football game; it is destined to be a cultural highlight. This celebration of talent from hip-hop to jazz reinforces the power of live music and its role within grand traditions like the Super Bowl.
The question remains: what will the halftime show deliver? One thing is for certain—the night will be one to watch, featuring artists who exemplify the depth and versatility of today's music scene. Don't miss it!