Super Bowl LIX halftime show

The process of deciding a headline performer for the Super Bowl halftime show is disputed.{{Cite web |last=Inman |first=DeMicia |date=September 10, 2024 |title=How Is The Super Bowl Halftime Performer Chosen? |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/how-super-bowl-halftime-performer-chosen-1234919462/ |access-date=September 10, 2024 |website=Vibe |language=en-US}} According to The Charlotte Observer, it begins with a panel that includes the National Football League's (NFL) director of entertainment, members of its production company, and the halftime show's director and producer. A short list of potential performers is created and given to the Super Bowl's host city, who makes the final decision.{{Cite news |last=Santiago |first=Evan |date=February 14, 2022 |title=How Super Bowl halftime headliners are chosen and why they work for free |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-people/article258383208.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240909164520/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-people/article258383208.html |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=The Charlotte Observer}} However, members of its host committee claimed that a headline performer is solely picked by the league, and they are notified on who was chosen in the same manner as the general public.{{Cite web |last=Dennis Jr |first=David |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Lil Wayne's absence is the elephant in the room at the Super Bowl halftime show |url=https://andscape.com/features/lil-waynes-absence-is-the-elephant-in-the-room-at-the-super-bowl-halftime-show/ |access-date=September 10, 2024 |website=Andscape |language=en-US}}

On August 13, 2019, the NFL announced a partnership with Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and his entertainment company Roc Nation to be named the league's live music entertainment strategist.{{Cite news |last1=Belson |first1=Ken |last2=Sisario |first2=Ben |date=August 13, 2019 |title=N.F.L. and Jay-Z Team Up on Music and Social Justice Campaign |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/13/sports/nfl-and-jay-z-team-up-on-music-and-social-justice-campaign.html |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220215042242/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/13/sports/nfl-and-jay-z-team-up-on-music-and-social-justice-campaign.html |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=1553-8095}} In that role, Jay-Z and his firm became co-producers and consultants of the Super Bowl halftime show, allowing them to be involved in selecting music for NFL usage and choosing entertainers to perform in televised promotional spots throughout the season.{{Cite news |last=Maske |first=Mark |date=August 13, 2019 |title=NFL partners with Jay-Z on Super Bowl halftime entertainment, social justice initiative |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/08/13/nfl-is-partnering-with-jay-z-entertainment-social-justice-initiatives/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240909192028/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/08/13/nfl-is-partnering-with-jay-z-entertainment-social-justice-initiatives/ |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} "We really wanted to start to focus on leading to culture," Seth Dudowsky, the league's head of music, explained. "Whether that's the culture of the city, what's happening in culture at large and then focusing on it so that what we're doing feels culturally relevant and using that platform for artists to be able to be themselves and show their art on stage. We want them to feel empowered."{{Cite web |last=Landrum Jr |first=Jonathan |date=January 31, 2024 |title=From marching bands to megastars: How the Super Bowl halftime show became a global spectacle |url=https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-halftime-show-evolution-871dc42f17b26dc4f2503504edf44995 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |publisher=Associated Press |language=en}}

Kendrick Lamar previously headlined the Super Bowl LVI halftime show alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige, with 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak serving as special guests.{{Cite news |last=McIntosh |first=Steve |date=February 14, 2022 |title=Super Bowl: Dr Dre and Eminem pack in the hits at half-time show |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-60354066 |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} The first halftime show to be centered entirely around hip hop music,{{Cite news |last=Tannenbaum |first=Rob |date=February 10, 2022 |title=How Hip-Hop Inched Its Way to the Super Bowl Halftime Stage |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/10/arts/music/super-bowl-halftime-hip-hop.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220210174105/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/10/arts/music/super-bowl-halftime-hip-hop.html |archive-date=February 10, 2022 |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} it was met with critical acclaim and won three Primetime Emmy Awards, including a historic win for Outstanding Variety Special (Live).{{Cite magazine |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=September 3, 2022 |title=Super Bowl Halftime Show, Adele, The Beatles: Get Back & Other Big Winners at 2022 Creative Arts Emmys |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2022-creative-arts-emmys-super-bowl-halftime-show-adele-the-beatles-1235134744/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} Lamar's "thrilling" and "electrifying" performance was highlighted by several critics.{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Kevin E G |date=February 14, 2022 |title=Super Bowl 2022 halftime review: Dr Dre oversees performance from hip-hop royalty |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/super-bowl-2022-halftime-show-review-b2014382.html |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=The Independent}}{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Mikael |date=February 13, 2022 |title=Dr. Dre leads giant win for hip-hop in electrifying, ambitious Super Bowl halftime show |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-02-13/super-bowl-2022-halftime-show-dr-dre-kendrick-lamar |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} Jon Caramanica of The New York Times called it "stunning — ecstatically liquid in flow, moving his body with jagged vigor."{{Cite news |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Caramanica |date=February 13, 2022 |title=Rap Takes Over Super Bowl Halftime, Balancing Celebration and Protest |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/13/arts/music/super-bowl-halftime-show-review.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220214045449/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/13/arts/music/super-bowl-halftime-show-review.html#selection-523.0-523.69 |archive-date=February 14, 2022 |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} Rolling Stone{{'s}} Rob Sheffield opined that he deserved an entire slot to himself.{{Cite magazine |last=Sheffield |first=Rob |author-link=Rob Sheffield |date=February 14, 2022 |title=Every Super Bowl Halftime Show, Ranked From Worst to Best |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/super-bowl-halftime-shows-ranked-from-worst-to-best-14201/dr-dre-snoop-dogg-eminem-mary-j-blige-50-cent-and-kendrick-lamar-2022-1299733/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}

Lil Wayne publicly campaigned to headline a Super Bowl halftime show, especially one hosted in his hometown of New Orleans.{{Cite magazine |last=Gee |first=Andre |date=June 9, 2023 |title=Lil Wayne Is So Prolific He Hardly Remembers Tha Carter III |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/lil-wayne-interview-carter-anniversary-1234766396/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230609160729/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/lil-wayne-interview-carter-anniversary-1234766396/#selection-2219.22-2219.265 |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |access-date=September 10, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} He was an initial candidate to perform, according to Stephen A. Smith for ESPN.{{Cite web |last=Bachar |first=Zach |date=September 12, 2024 |title=Stephen A. Smith: Lil Wayne Was Considered for NFL's Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10135177-stephen-a-smith-lil-wayne-was-considered-for-nfls-super-bowl-lix-halftime-show |access-date=September 13, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} "I'd kill that shit," Wayne exclaimed in an interview with Rolling Stone's Andre Gee. "We wouldn't even worry about the game after that. Everybody knew that one kid [who] was watching the halftime show, but that'd be one of the first Super Bowls that they'll be like, 'Both teams were out on the field watching the halftime show.'" By February 2024, Wayne was not given the call from the NFL, but he remained hopeful about his chances.{{Cite web |last=Turner-Williams |first=Jaelani |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Clip of Lil Wayne Saying He Wants to Do Super Bowl Resurfaces: 'We Keeping Our Fingers Crossed' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/jaelaniturnerwilliams/lil-wayne-clip-wanting-to-do-super-bowl-resurfaces |access-date=September 10, 2024 |website=Complex |language=en}} "We all praying, we keeping our fingers crossed," he told YG. "I'm working hard. I'm going to make sure this next album and everything I do is killer, so I want to just make it hard for them not to highlight the boy."

During the Summer of 2024, Miley Cyrus was also rumored to be performing at the halftime show.{{Cite web|last=Sobhan|first=Athena|date=July 11, 2024|title=Is Miley Cyrus Headlining the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show? Here's Why Fans Think So|url=https://people.com/will-miley-cyrus-perform-at-the-2025-super-bowl-halftime-show-8676581|access-date=April 20, 2025|website=People Magazine|language=en}}

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| quote = 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.

| author = – Lamar on headlining the Super Bowl LIX halftime show

| source = The Hollywood Reporter{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/kendrick-lamar-headline-2025-apple-music-super-bowl-lix-halftime-show-1235995076/|title=Kendrick Lamar to Headline 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show|last=Fekadu|first=Mesfin|date=September 8, 2024|access-date=September 9, 2024|website=The Hollywood Reporter|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240909035153/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/kendrick-lamar-headline-2025-apple-music-super-bowl-lix-halftime-show-1235995076/|archive-date=September 9, 2024}}

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On September 8, 2024, before the first full slate of regular season matches went underway, the NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Lamar as the headlining act for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show.{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2024 |title=NFL in his DNA: Kendrick Lamar will play SB LIX |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/41177471/rap-star-kendrick-lamar-headline-super-bowl-lix-half |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=ESPN|agency=Associated Press |language=en}} He is the first rapper to lead the festivities multiple times.{{Cite web |last=Gaydos |first=Ryan |date=September 8, 2024 |title=Kendrick Lamar headlines Super Bowl LIX's halftime show |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/kendrick-lamar-headlines-super-bowl-lixs-halftime-show |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}

Lamar shared the news by posting a promotional trailer on YouTube, which was directed by his long-time creative partner Dave Free.{{Cite news |last=Scribner |first=Herb |date=September 8, 2024 |title=Kendrick Lamar to headline 2025 Super Bowl LIX halftime show |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2024/09/08/kendrick-lamar-halftime-super-bowl-lix/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} The one-shot trailer shows him on a football field in front of a large American flag throwing footballs through a passing machine at off-screen players. As he shouts motivational remarks to them, he introduces himself as the headliner. On January 23, 2025, it was announced that SZA would be joining as a special guest.{{Cite web |last=Tinoco |first=Armando |date=January 23, 2025 |title=SZA To Join Kendrick Lamar At Apple Music's Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show |url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/sza-kendrick-lamar-apple-music-super-bowl-lix-halftime-show-1236265833/ |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US}}

In the video announcing his selection, Lamar said "You know it's only one opportunity to win a championship. No round twos", which was interpreted as a shot against Drake, who posted a few weeks before that "we will win Game 2".{{Cite web |date=2024-09-08 |title=Kendrick Lamar announces Super Bowl halftime show with subtle 'dig' at Drake |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-2025-drake-b2609110.html |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=The Independent |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |last=Diaz |first=Angel |date=2024-09-10 |title=Pusha T Backs Up Kendrick Lamar's Apparent 'No Round Twos' Drake Swipe in Super Bowl Announcement: 'This Is True' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/pusha-t-kendrick-lamar-drake-no-round-twos-super-bowl-halftime-1235770986/ |access-date=2025-02-10 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Kendrick Lamar to Perform at Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/treyalston/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-lix-halftime-show |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=Complex |language=en}} Speculation arose as to whether he would incorporate "Not Like Us" into his performance.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jason |date=February 9, 2025 |title=Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl setlist: What we know about the songs he'll perform |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super-bowl/2025/02/09/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-setlist/78362910007/ |access-date=February 10, 2025 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Kyndall |date=February 9, 2025 |title=What to know about Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show — "Not Like Us" included |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/398385/kedndrick-lamar-grammys-drake-super-bowl-not-like-us-halftime-show |access-date=February 10, 2025 |website=Vox Media |language=en-US}}

The decision to have Lamar headline the halftime show polarized the rap industry.{{Cite magazine |last=Lee |first=Chantelle |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Some Are Criticizing Kendrick Lamar Headlining Super Bowl |url=https://time.com/7019302/kendrick-lamar-people-criticize-headlining-super-bowl/ |access-date=September 10, 2024 |magazine=TIME }} Media outlets described Lil Wayne not being chosen as the headliner as a snub, given the event was taking place in his hometown, and he admitted the announcement "broke" him.{{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=September 13, 2024 |title=Devastated Lil Wayne Admits Super Bowl Halftime Snub 'Broke' Him: 'It Hurt a Lot' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lil-wayne-super-bowl-halftime-snub-broke-him-hurt-kendrick-lamar-1235774697/ |access-date=September 13, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Arianna |date=September 13, 2024 |title=Lil Wayne Reacts To Super Bowl Halftime Snub: 'It Broke Me' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariannajohnson/2024/09/13/lil-wayne-reacts-to-super-bowl-halftime-snub-it-broke-me/ |access-date=September 13, 2024 |website=Forbes |language=en}} Birdman,{{Cite web |last=Mahadevan |first=Tara |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Birdman Appears to Vent Frustration With Super Bowl Halftime Show Not Selecting Lil Wayne, Demands 'Respek' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/cmplxtara-mahadevan/birdman-reacts-kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-performance |access-date=September 10, 2024 |website=Complex |language=en}} Boosie Badazz,{{Cite web |last=Nevares |first=Gabriel Bras |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Boosie Badazz Rants Against Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/841078-kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-boosie-reaction-hip-hop-news |access-date=September 10, 2024 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}} Cam'ron,{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Jessica |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Cam'ron Slams Kendrick Lamar Being Booked For Super Bowl Over Lil Wayne As "Egregious" |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/camron-slams-kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-over-lil-wayne-1234918916/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=Vibe |language=en-US}} Mase,{{Cite web |last=William Cowen |first=Trace |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Cam'ron and Mase Criticize Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl Announcement: 'Egregious… Hating at This Age Is Crazy' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/tracewilliamcowen/camron-mase-kendrick-lamar-super-bowl |access-date=September 10, 2024 |website=Complex |language=en}} Master P,{{Cite web |last=Fitzgerald |first=Trent |date=September 8, 2024 |title=Master P Salutes Kendrick Lamar as Super Bowl Headliner But Thinks Lil Wayne Should Be Part of Celebration Too |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/master-p-kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-headliner-lil-wayne-celebration/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=XXL |language=en}} and Nicki Minaj condemned Jay-Z for the "egregious" selection and accused him of factoring in his complicated relationship with Lil Wayne and other artists under his record label, Young Money Entertainment.{{Cite magazine |last=Gee |first=Andre |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Nicki Minaj, Birdman, and More Slam Jay-Z Over Super Bowl Halftime Show |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-show-reactions-1235098148/ |access-date=September 10, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Arianna |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Nicki Minaj And Others Seemingly Call Out Jay-Z For Picking Kendrick Lamar For Super Bowl Over Lil Wayne: What To Know |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariannajohnson/2024/09/09/nicki-minaj-and-others-seemingly-call-out-jay-z-for-picking-kendrick-lamar-for-super-bowl-over-lil-wayne-what-to-know/ |access-date=September 10, 2024 |website=Forbes |language=en}} On the other hand, Charlamagne tha God,{{Cite web |last=Sadler |first=Armon |date=September 11, 2024 |title=Fat Joe, Fabolous, And More Defend JAY-Z In Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Controversy |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/fat-joe-fabolous-jayz-kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-1234919958/ |access-date=September 12, 2024 |website=Vibe |language=en-US}} Fabolous,{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Preezy |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Fabolous Defends JAY-Z Amid Scrutiny Over Super Bowl Halftime Show Headliner |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/fabolous-jay-z-scrutiny-super-bowl-halftime-show-1234919559/ |access-date=September 12, 2024 |website=Vibe |language=en-US}} Fat Joe,{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Aaron |date=September 11, 2024 |title=Fat Joe Thinks 'It'd Be No Hip-Hop' At The Super Bowl If Not For Jay-Z |url=https://uproxx.com/music/fat-joe-defended-jay-z-from-super-bowl-criticism/ |access-date=September 12, 2024 |website=Uproxx |language=en-US}} and Jay Electronica defended Jay-Z, noting that he was not the only one involved in deciding the headliner.{{Cite web |last=Coleman II |first=C. Vernon |date=September 11, 2024 |title=Jay Electronica Goes Off in Rant Defending Jay-Z, Calls Out People 'Slave Cooning Over a Football Game' |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/jay-electronica-defends-jay-z-super-bowl/ |access-date=September 12, 2024 |website=XXL |language=en}}

Critics were more positive about Lamar's announcement, praising it as a historic and full circle accomplishment that ties to the beginning of his escalated feud with Drake. The editorial staff of HipHopDX, led by Elliott Wilson, opined that he was the right choice, citing his legacy, catalog, and showmanship as prime examples.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=September 12, 2024 |title=Kendrick Lamar Deserves To Headline The 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/kendrick-lamar-deserves-super-bowl-halftime-show |access-date=September 13, 2024 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} Justin Sayles of The Ringer stated his belief that the halftime performance announcement was the capstone of a year that had seen Lamar "ascend to the highest levels" of popular culture, and seen Drake "sink to the lowest levels" of his career.{{Cite web |last=Sayles |first=Justin |date=September 8, 2024 |title=Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Is the Final Nail in Drake's Coffin |url=https://www.theringer.com/music/2024/9/8/24239272/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-lix-halftime-drake-beef-not-like-us |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=The Ringer |language=en}} David Dennis Jr. of Andscape declared the announcement as a final, definitive reminder that Lamar has completed "one of the most undeniable one-sided victories in rap history."{{Cite web |last=Dennis |first=David Jr. |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show announcement is bigger than his victory over Drake |url=https://andscape.com/features/kendrick-lamar-to-perform-at-apple-music-super-bowl-lix-halftime-show/ |access-date=September 10, 2024 |website=Andscape }} USA Today{{'s}} Mike Freeman argued that it showcased a prominent example of Jay-Z's influence on the NFL's mostly conservative owners by "unabashedly injecting Black culture into the league's Super Bowl bloodstream."{{Cite web |last=Freeman |first=Mike |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Kendrick Lamar halftime show another example of Jay-Z influence on NFL owners |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/mike-freeman/2024/09/09/jay-z-kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-show/75133352007/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}} However, some commentators found it hypocritical of Lamar to headline the performance given his reputation as a socially aware rapper and the NFL's troubled history with social justice initiatives.

On November 22, 2024, Lamar released his sixth studio album, GNX.{{cite magazine | last=Mier | first=Tomás | title=Kendrick Lamar's Surprise New Album 'GNX' Is Here | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=November 22, 2024 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kendrick-lamar-gnx-new-album-1235177339/ | access-date=December 27, 2024}} In the song "Wacced Out Murals", he mentions Lil Wayne's reaction towards his Super Bowl announcement. He says his hard work let Lil Wayne down, and that Nas was the only rap artist to praise him for it.{{Cite web |last=Krueger |first=Jonah |date=November 22, 2024 |title=Song of the Week: Kendrick Lamar Takes No Prisoners on "wacced out murals" |url=https://consequence.net/2024/11/kendrick-lamar-wacced-out-murals-sotw/ |access-date=November 23, 2024 |website=Consequence}}

Creative direction for the performance was provided by Lamar and Free's company, PGLang. It was produced by Diversified Production Services (DPS) and directed by Hamish Hamilton. Jesse Collins, Jay-Z and Roc Nation executive produced the telecast for a sixth year; the latter agency also served as strategic entertainment advisors.

File:Super Bowl LIX (54361965533) (cropped).jpg

{{Infobox song

| name = Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

| album = Super Bowl LIX Live from New Orleans, LA

| type = Promotional single

| artist = Kendrick Lamar

| released = {{Start date|2025|02|11}}{{Cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/2Q9sOmcZFz7IsoVyF8G3s4|title=Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show (Live) - Single by Kendrick Lamar|date=February 9, 2025|access-date=February 12, 2025|website=Spotify}}

| recorded = {{Start date|2025|02|09}}

| venue = Caesars Superdome

| length = 13:20

| writer = Kendrick Lamar

| label = NFL

| producer =

| version = live

| chronology = Kendrick Lamar promotional singles

| prev_title = The Heart Part 5

| prev_year = 2022

| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|id=KDorKy-13ak|title=Kendrick Lamar's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show}}|header=Performance video|type=song}}

}}

The performance began with Kendrick Lamar and his backup dancers getting out of a 1980s Buick GNX and onto a stage resembling part of a PlayStation controller. The opening was a portion of the unreleased song "Bodies".{{Cite web |date=February 10, 2025 |title=Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl half-time show was one big tease |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz0l5m5m943o |url-status=live |access-date=February 19, 2025 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}} Samuel L. Jackson appeared in a recurring role as Uncle Sam, who provided satirical commentary and advice to Kendrick between songs to illustrate the cultural divide of America.{{Cite web |date=February 10, 2025 |title=Every surprise celebrity guest in Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show |url=https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/music/news/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-celebrity-guests-setlist-songs-b2695212.html |access-date=February 11, 2025 |website=The Independent |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |last=Coleman |first=Ryan |date=February 9, 2025 |title=Samuel L. Jackson surprises as emcee of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl 2025 halftime show |url=https://ew.com/samuel-l-jackson-surprises-as-kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-emcee-8788712?srsltid=AfmBOorj9yhyulxCNZUdyIthBZGckyvmPN9lcMCjfg_xiikpkHYs4AGY |access-date=February 10, 2025 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en}} Lamar initially teased a performance of "Not Like Us", breaking the fourth wall and stating "I wanna play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue."{{Cite web |date=February 10, 2025 |title=Review: Kendrick Lamar brings America and 'Not Like Us' into history-making Super Bowl halftime show |url=https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-halftime-show-review-1dc2bce615ebfba0c8af0ea7c3ce4b9d |access-date=February 11, 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}}{{cite magazine|last=Tharpe|first=Frazier|date=February 9, 2025|url=https://www.gq.com/story/watching-kendrick-lamar-live-in-new-orleans|title=Watching Kendrick Lamar Live in New Orleans|magazine=GQ}} Lamar played "Luther" and "All the Stars" with SZA before returning to "Not Like Us". Lamar looked directly into the camera with a smile when he rapped "Say Drake, I hear you like 'em young". The lyric including the word "pedophile" was censored, but the audience could be heard shouting the lyric "tryna strike a chord and it's probably A minor" along with him a few lines later.{{Cite web |last=Frances |first=Lisa Respers |date=February 10, 2025 |title=How Drake lost worse than the Chiefs at the Super Bowl |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/10/entertainment/drake-serena-williams-kendrick-lamar/index.html |access-date=February 10, 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}

Professional tennis player Serena Williams, who shares Lamar's hometown of Compton, made a cameo appearance as a dancer doing a crip walk during "Not Like Us",{{Cite web |date=February 10, 2025 |title=Serena Williams adds star power to Kendrick Lamar's halftime show |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43724706/kendrick-lamar-serena-williams-half-show-super-bowl-lix-2025 |access-date=February 10, 2025 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} a reference to Williams performing a similar dance after her victory at the 2012 Summer Olympics, for which she faced some criticism. Williams's appearance was also received as a diss towards Drake, with whom she was rumored to have dated several years earlier.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn57n1dw24go |title=Serena Williams crip walks at surprise Super Bowl appearance |publisher=BBC |date=February 11, 2025 |accessdate=February 11, 2025 }}{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/7214650/serena-williams-crip-walk-super-bowl-kendrick-lamar-halftime-show/ |title=The Meaning Behind Serena Williams Dancing During the Super Bowl Halftime Show |last=Jeyaretnam |first=Miranda |magazine=Time |date=February 10, 2025 |accessdate=February 11, 2025 }}{{cite web |url=https://people.com/serena-williams-super-bowl-claps-back-past-criticism-8788800 |title=Serena Williams Has the Last Laugh with Her Surprise Super Bowl Moves as She Claps Back at Past Wimbledon Criticism |last=Gayle |first=Latoya |work=People |date=February 10, 2025 |accessdate=February 11, 2025 }} The performance was capped off by "TV Off" with Mustard coming out as a special guest, finally with Lamar "turning the TV off" and the words "GAME OVER" being displayed through crowd wristband lights.

A protester waving the Sudanese flag and the Palestinian flag with the words "Sudan" and "Gaza" written on it, as well as a heart and a raised fist, stood on the stage during Lamar's performance on top of a black GNX, and ran around the field before being tackled by security. The man named Zul-Qarnain Nantambu, a member of Lamar's field cast, had concealed the flag on his person without the knowledge of organizers before unfurling it during the performance.{{Cite web |last=Breech |first=John |date=February 10, 2025 |title=Protester crashes Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show overcoming heavy security to get on field |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/protestor-crashes-kendrick-lamars-super-bowl-halftime-show-overcoming-heavy-security-to-get-on-field/ |access-date=February 10, 2025 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Henderson |first=Cyndney |date=February 10, 2025 |title=Protestor crashes Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl halftime show; tackled by security on field |url=https://www.aol.com/protestor-crashes-kendrick-lamar-super-022459836.html |access-date=February 10, 2025 |website=www.aol.com |publisher=USA Today |language=en-US |via=AOL}} Roc Nation stated that the protest "was neither planned nor part of the production and was never in any rehearsal." The performer was "banned for life" from all NFL stadiums and events. The New Orleans Police initially stated they were "working to determine applicable charges" against the performer, but later confirmed they would not file charges.{{Cite web |date=February 10, 2025 |title=Super Bowl halftime performer detained after unfurling Sudanese-Palestinian flag |url=https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-halftime-protest-palestine-0d670147fe14286bfb665f739772f0a7 |access-date=February 10, 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=February 10, 2025 |title=Super Bowl halftime performer won't face charges for flag protest |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/member-kendrick-lamars-super-bowl-halftime-show-face-118656293 |access-date=February 10, 2025 |website=ABC News |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=February 11, 2025 |title=Did Kendrick Lamar diss Donald Trump too with Drake at the Super Bowl? Fans decode hidden messages in his halftime show |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/did-kendrick-lamar-diss-donald-trump-too-with-drake-at-the-super-bowl-fans-decode-hidden-messages-in-his-halftime-show/articleshow/118145940.cms |access-date=February 21, 2025 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}

Lamar's performance was widely acclaimed. Lisa Respers France of CNN called "Not Like Us" the star of the halftime performance,{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/10/entertainment/drake-serena-williams-kendrick-lamar/index.html |title=How Drake lost worse than the Chiefs at the Super Bowl |website=CNN |last=France |first=Lisa Respers |date=February 10, 2025 |accessdate=February 11, 2025 }} while Maria Sherman of the Associated Press described Lamar performing the song on the biggest stage in American sport as another step in Lamar's continued victory lap in his feud with Drake.{{Cite web |last=Sherman |first=Maria |date=February 9, 2025 |title=Review: Kendrick Lamar brings America and 'Not Like Us' into history-making Super Bowl halftime show |url=https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-halftime-show-review-1dc2bce615ebfba0c8af0ea7c3ce4b9d |access-date=February 10, 2025 |website=Associated Press |language=en}} Jon Caramanica of The New York Times described his performance as "quite a spectacle — perhaps the peak of any rap battle, ever".{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/09/arts/music/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-review.html | title=Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show: The Peak of All Rap Battles? | work=The New York Times | last1=Caramanica | first1=Jon }} Mark Beaumont of The Independent stated his "performance will undoubtedly go down as one of the most important halftime shows in the history of the event, if not the most significant mass-televised rap performance of all time".{{cite web | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/kendrick-lamar-review-super-bowl-halftime-show-2025-b2695117.html | title=Kendrick Lamar's Drake-baiting was a smokescreen – his Super Bowl show represented a righteous nation baring its teeth | work=The Independent | last1=Beaumont | first1=Mark }} Sam Wolfson of The Guardian commented that he "chose artistry over more obvious showmanship in an unusual set".{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/feb/09/kendrick-lamars-super-bowl-half-time-show-review-game-over-for-drake | title=Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl half-time show review – game over for Drake | work=The Guardian | last1=Wolfson | first1=Sam }} Sidney Madden, writing for NPR, commented on the underlying message of the performance, claiming that "Lamar played into fears that he's too dangerous for the country's biggest stage with sinister pleasure, making it clear that he would not soften his contempt or his approach for the mass audience."{{Cite news |last=Madden |first=Sidney |date=February 9, 2025 |title=Kendrick Lamar brought West Coast hip hop, Uncle Sam and Serena Williams to the Super Bowl |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/02/09/nx-s1-5288004/super-bowl-half-time-kendrick-lamar-sza |access-date=February 11, 2025 |work=NPR |language=en}} Historian Anita L. Wills, writing in the San Francisco Bay View, said Lamar’s performance “reignited the Civil Rights Movement’s spirit on a global scale” and likened Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal of Uncle Sam to a gatekeeper “standing between the masses and the white moneyed establishment.”{{cite web |last=Wills |first=Anita L. |title=Decoding Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance: Experts weigh in on the symbolism, politics and cultural impact |url=https://sfbayview.com/2025/04/decoding-kendrick-lamars-super-bowl-performance-experts-weigh-in-on-the-symbolism-politics-and-cultural-impact/ |website=San Francisco Bay View |date=April 1, 2025 |access-date=April 3, 2025}}

Prior to the event, Lamar discussed his storytelling while performing, stating "I just want you to feel it. The writing is there, now it's up to me to perform it so you feel it [...] I like to carry on that sense of, make people listen, but also see and think a little."{{cite news|last=Ruggieri|first=Melissa|date=February 10, 2025|orig-date=February 9, 2025|url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/02/09/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-show-review/78290811007/|title=Kendrick Lamar's fierce Super Bowl halftime show elevates Drake feud, makes history|work=USA Today}} Observers noted that dancers dressed in red, white, and blue arranged themselves to look like a divided American flag as Lamar performed "Humble", as well as Lamar chanting "the revolution 'bout to be televised, you picked the right time but the wrong guy" and "forty acres and a mule, this is bigger than the music".{{cite news |title=America Has a Problem: Unpacking Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl symbolism |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/66062/1/symbolism-behind-kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-performance-donald-trump-drake |access-date=February 10, 2025 |agency=Dazed Media}}{{cite news |last1=Jokic |first1=Natasha |title=17 Easter Eggs And Small Details From Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/natashajokic1/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-show-details |access-date=February 10, 2025 |agency=BuzzFeed}}{{Cite news |date=February 10, 2025 |title='40 Acres and a Mule': Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl 59 Wasn't Just for Drake When Donald Trump Was His Real Target |url=https://fandomwire.com/40-acres-and-a-mule-kendrick-lamars-super-bowl-59-wasnt-just-for-drake-when-donald-trump-was-his-real-target/ |access-date=February 10, 2025 |agency=FandomWire}} Analysis from The Root concluded that Jackson's role as Uncle Sam represented a "sanitized" America controlling the free expression of African American artists—referencing his criticism of "Squabble Up" being "too ghetto".{{Cite web |url=https://www.newsweek.com/kendrick-lamar-symbolic-message-super-bowl-halftime-show-2028856 |website=Newsweek |title=What Was Kendrick Lamar's Symbolic Message During Super Bowl Halftime Show? |date=February 10, 2025 |access-date=February 14, 2025}} Writing for The New York Times, Tiana Clark opined that his performance represented "the gamification of the elusive American dream", with apparent references to Squid Game and PlayStation controllers throughout his set.{{cite news|author=Clark, Tiana|date=February 14, 2025|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/14/opinion/kendrick-lamar-halftime-art.html|title=Kendrick Lamar's Halftime Show Was Radically Political, if You Knew Where to Look|work=The New York Times}} Writing for USA Today, Nancy Armour opined that his performance represented a rejection of President Donald Trump's vision for America.{{cite news|author=Nancy Armour|date=February 10, 2025|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/nancy-armour/2025/02/10/super-bowl-rejection-donald-trump-dark-vision-for-america/78380662007/|title=Opinion: Super Bowl a rejection of Trump's vision for America|work=USA Today}}

The show was televised nationally in the U.S. by Fox and Fox Deportes, and streamed on Tubi and NFL+.{{Cite web |last=Obias |first=Rudie |date=February 9, 2025 |title=Super Bowl Apple Music Halftime Show 2025: Where to Stream Kendrick Lamar's Performance Online Free |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/watch-stream-super-bowl-halftime-show-2025-kendrick-lamar-online-1236127951/ |access-date=February 9, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Bassam |first=Tom |date=March 23, 2021 |title=The NFL's new broadcast rights deals: Billions of dollars, evolving contracts and streaming plans |url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/insights/analysis/nfl-tv-rights-2021-2032-espn-abc-disney-nbc-cbs-fox-amazon-prime-streaming/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=SportsPro |language=en-GB}} The performance was seen by an average of 133.5 million viewers domestically across broadcast television and streaming platforms during the 15 minute-long set, surpassing Michael Jackson's performance at the Super Bowl XXVII halftime show in 1993.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YmxKAAAAIBAJ&dq=guinness+world+records+1993+133.4+million+jackson&pg=PA15&article_id=4235,2406159 |title=A Statue Facts: Michael's All Wax - Guinness World Records |date=May 20, 1993 |publisher=The Vindicator |pages=15 |language=en |quote=Jackson was also saluted for performing in front of one of the largest TV audiences ever, 133.4 million viewers during halftime at the 1993 Super Bowl.}} The increase was largely driven by a strong lead-in, as the event's viewership peaked at 137.7 million viewers during the 15-minute segment of the game shortly before the halftime show and had begun to decline as the halftime show began.{{Cite web |last=Rizzo |first=Lillian |date=February 11, 2025 |title=Super Bowl 59 attracts record 127.7 million viewers |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/11/super-bowl-59-viewership.html |access-date=February 12, 2025 |website=CNBC |language=en}}

Source: Billboard{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kendrick-lamar-2025-super-bowl-halftime-show-not-like-us-sza-1235896827/|title=Kendrick Lamar Caps Off Victory Lap With Searing Super Bowl Halftime Show Featuring SZA, Samuel L. Jackson & More|date=February 9, 2025|first=Carl|last=Lamarre|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 10, 2025}}

1. "Bodies" (with elements of "Wacced Out Murals")
2. "Squabble Up"
3. "Humble"
4. "DNA"
5. "Euphoria"
6. "Man at the Garden"
7. "Peekaboo"
8. "Luther" (with SZA)
9. "All the Stars" (with SZA)
10. "Not Like Us"
11. "TV Off" (with Mustard)

{{reflist}}

{{Super Bowl halftime shows}}

{{Kendrick Lamar}}

{{NFL on Fox}}

Category:2025 in American music

Category:2025 in American television

Category:2025 in Louisiana

Category:2025 in sports in Louisiana

Category:2020s in New Orleans

Category:February 2025 in the United States

Category:Events in New Orleans

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Category:Kendrick Lamar

Category:Television shows directed by Hamish Hamilton (director)

Category:Gaza war protests in the United States

Category:Drake–Kendrick Lamar feud