Halftime Show Super Bowl LIX 2025: Kendrick Lamar performance, guest artists, Drake diss, reaction
Super Bowl 2025: Halftime Show: as it happened
Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show: it's all over
All that's left for me to do is thank you all for joining us for what was a brief, but eventful performance from Kendrick Lamar.
If you want to relive any of the key moments, remind yourself of the Drake beef, or read some of the related articles, take a scroll down the blog at your own pace. Or jump over to our homepage and take your pic of whatever grabs your interest...
Goodnight... and stay humble!
Kendrick closing it off
This brief clip is a nice way to end our live blog, as Lamar congratulates some of his crew before disappearing away from the limelight, at least for a while.
Reactions to Kendrick's LIX show
I've been scanning social media and the comments range from 'best thing I've seen for years' to 'OMG, the worst show ever'.
It's fair to say that Lamar – both the artist and the person – continues to split opinion.
Game over
Given the score in the game at half time, finishing the set with the crowd lights showing 'GAME OVER' was more prophetic than they could've imagined.
Jackson shines
The rumors were that we could have seen a whole host of guests joining in with Kendrick's Halftime Show. In the end we had collaborations with SZA and Mustard, we saw the dance moves of Serena Williams (see below) and we heard the very recognizable voice of Samuel L. Jackson.
Here's how Uncle Sam was dressed up for the occasion.
You can check out Serena Williams dancing along with Lamar on the Super Bowl field here.
And for those that don't realise the significance of her inclusion, Compton’s very own tennis superstar will have made Drake reconsider every life choice.
Dissing your rival in front of millions is one thing. Having one of the greatest athletes of all time stand beside you while you do it, one that was rumored to be in a relationship with him... well, that’s a whole different level of dominance.
What word did Kendrick remove from 'Not Like Us'?
Did you spot it? There was no way he was not going to sing it but one rather dangerous word was left at home, and that word was 'pedophile'.
My guess is that his lawyers may have had something to say on that.
And here's that Drake diss video clip everyone was waiting for..
What was Kendrick's full Halftime Show setlist?
It wasn't always easy to update you as we went along – and hell, I was trying to enjoy it too – but after a quick recap, here's what we went through:
Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl LIX setlist:
- Squabble Up
- HUMBLE
- DNA
- Euphoria
- Man at the Garden
- Peekaboo
- Luther (ft. SZA)
- All the Stars (ft. SZA)
- Not Like Us
- TV Off
Not. Like. Us.
You big tease, Lamar.
Will he, won't he? We were all talking about it anyway so did it really matter. Hell yeah!
The crowd lapped it up and, just as planned, sang along to every line that poked the Drake bear. This is not the end.
Serena joins Kendrick
Needing a world class sports star to join your set. Here's a Williams sister for you.
SZA time
SZA gets on the stage for a bit of Luther. Jackson keeps returning for a few words of wisdom, suggesting that he may not be wanting to get sued any more.
Drake has been referenced but "Not Like Us" left out.
Next up, DNA. Remember I summarised all these songs earlier in the blog if you want more deets and the full video versions.
Squabble turns into HUMBLE. The mixes are slick and, I'll be honest, I'm thinking he may have dropped a few new lines in here.
What songs?
Squabble Up for starters, clean choreography by his side. Jackson steps back in with another few words, which is good as it would've been the smallest cameo ever if not.
Welcome Samuel Jackson
Like the showman he is, Samuel L. Jackson introduces Kendrick like a circus master.
Lights flick onto Lamar on a black Buick car. Nice start!
How many streams does "Not Like Us" have?
It's the song of the night, surely. Kendrick Lamar’s smash hit Not Like Us, released last May, broke records upon its debut, racking up 12.8 million streams in a single day—the highest ever for a hip-hop track—and 81.2 million streams in its first week, the most by a rapper.
By mid-January, the song had surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, and as of now, it stands at 1.04 billion streamson the platform.
Chasing Drake's record
Lamar is the first solo rapper to headline in history and although he's not getting paid for this particular gig, there's plenty for him to recoup.
While there's no chance that Drake's going to jump out and perform alongside him, a listener record of his rival may be surpassed.
Super Bowl first half is dead...
...long live the Super Bowl Halftime Show!
That's right, we're just moments away from Kendrick's performance. Let's go!
Waiting for the HT Show...
Do you feel a little like this? So many people are close to having their musical moment fulfilled, and can then go off and do whatever they want while the football concludes.
Right now the Eagles are tearing the Chiefs apart, by the way. 24-0 with a minute and a half to play in the half.
How much is Lamar Kendrick being paid for Halftime Show?
You know that the Super Bowl brings in a whopping revenue. There have been hugely varying reports as to how much money the NFL finale generates, with different sources estimating anything between $300 million to $1.3 billion.
So, Lamar must be making a killing, right? I mean how much would it take for you to perform in front of hundreds of millions of people around the globe? Well, nothing as it turns out.
As was the case for those who went before him, Lamar will be paid in exposure rather than cold hard cash for performing in New Orleans.
Huge production costs are, obviously, paid for, and the performing artist does pick up a small amount in accordance with a union contract. But the figure is minuscule in comparison to what they make for a ‘regular’ show, or what you might expect.
The good news for Lamar is he can expect more interest in his music elsewhere as a result of his Super Bowl appearance. According to Forbes, Justin Timberlake saw a 534% increase in sales after his 2018 performance, with Maroon 5 seeing a 434% jump the following year.
Kendrick's two-minute warning
If you're tuning in to find out when the Halftime Show begins, I'd hang around as the game is just 120 seconds (with a few stops) from the break. Then comes the speedy stage set up before Lamar and co entertain us all.
OK, not 'all' if Drake is watching.
Some of you readers who are into both touchdowns and tunes have been asking if tonight's headline performer is into either of the teams battling it out for the Vince Lombardi trophy. No, he ain't!
But the Compton born rapper has a strong bond with Los Angeles and according to the website Fansided, Los Angeles Rams. Lamar is a loyal fan of the and occasionally takes in home games at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
The Super Bowl Halftime Show typically lasts around 13 minutes. Indeed, that was something that Rihanna commented on when she considered the daunting nature of squeezing 17 years of music into a show that fans in Glendale, Arizona, could enjoy.
Last year we saw Usher take on the task of entertaining not just those in attendance at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, but the hundreds of millions of viewers across the globe as well.
But how long does it take to get the field ready for the artists?
Kendrick part II... or part LIX
As per the video I just shared, Lamar took the stage as a special guest during the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022, delivering powerful performances of M.A.A.D City and Alright. This time, the 37-year-old is set to take center stage at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, joined by an array of high-profile guests.
Speaking at a press conference last week, Lamar teased a performance rich in storytelling. “I’ve always been open to telling stories through my repertoire and musical history. Whether it's a world tour or an intimate club performance, I want people to listen, see, and reflect,” he said.
So far, the only officially confirmed guest is SZA, who has collaborated with Lamar on tracks such as All the Stars, Luther, Gloria, and Doves in the Wind. However, speculation is swirling around potential appearances by local icon Lil Wayne—who teamed up with Lamar for Mona Lisa in 2018—as well as Future and Metro Boomin, with whom he worked on Like That.
Lamar’s career has been defined by diverse collaborations, having worked with artists ranging from Rihanna and Beyoncé to A$AP Rocky, Taylor Swift, and even U2. In one of the more unexpected rumors, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher is reportedly in the mix for a guest spot. Lamar, a known fan of the recently reunited Britpop giants, could be set to share the stage with Gallagher ahead of the band's sold-out world tour this summer.
Guess what? We're only a few minutes from finding out...
Has Kendrick performed in the Super Bowl before?
Yes, have you not been paying attention? 🤣
Let's have a quick look back to what he delivered...
As we reach the two minute warning in the 1st quarter (the Eagles are up 7-0 for those who care), I thought I'd answer a question that a number of you are asking: do the Super Bowl performers sing for real or not?
Well, the simple answer is... sometimes. Check out this article that gives you the history of the SB syncers.
The other aspect of 'Not Like Us' in Super Bowl LIX
Here's another take on the potential Kendrick Lamar’s performance of that song from comedian Josh Johnson.
Music IS the game
...well, it certainly is for some people. Earlier we saw some celebs saying that Kendrick was their reason for turning up or tuning in for the Super Bowl. And web video producer Marques Brownlee seems to be of a similar view.
Don't worry, music lovers. We've got you covered.
JLo memories
Remember when Jennifer Lopez and Shakira wowed the Super Bowl crowd? To be remembered in historical halftime performances, you really gotta do something special.
While I've got half an eye on the game, let's keep our focus on what lies ahead, namely Kendrick and chums.
Following the announcement of his Super Bowl performance, Lamar confidently declared, “Rap music remains the most impactful genre today. I’ll be there to remind the world why. They picked the right guy.”
Fresh off his Grammy sweep, where his track “Not Like Us”—a pointed jab at Drake—secured five major awards including Song and Record of the Year, Lamar cemented his place as one of the industry’s elite.
Now 37, he boasts a career total of 22 Grammy Awards, placing him third among hip-hop greats. Only Kanye West (24) and Jay-Z (25) stand ahead, while he further distances himself from legends like Eminem (15) and Pharrell Williams (13).
Enjoy America the Beautiful
Here's that rendition of the song that took place a few minutes ago. I have to admit, it was one of my favorite in recent years.
Hey there, Harry Connick Jr
With the accent you'll remember, a fabulous celebration of the local culture. Check this out!
Star Spangled Banner
Jon Batiste's turn now, performing the U.S. national anthem with a very colorful piano...
O say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bomb bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream,
'Tis the star-spangled banner - O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore,
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a Country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation!
Blest with vict'ry and peace may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the power that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto - "In God is our trust,"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
America the Beautiful
Lauren Daigle and Trombone Shorty are up...
Oh beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife
Who more than self, their country loved
And mercy more than life
America, America may God thy gold refine
'Til all success be nobleness
And every gain divined
And you know when I was in school
We used to sing it something like this, listen here
Oh beautiful, for spacious skies
For amber waves of grain
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain
But now wait a minute, I'm talking about
America, sweet America
You know, God done shed his grace on thee
He crowned thy good, yes he did, in brotherhood
From sea to shining sea
You know, I wish I had somebody to help me sing this
(America, America, God shed his grace on thee)
America, I love you America, you see
My God he done shed his grace on thee
And you oughta love him for it
Cause he, he, he, he crowned thy good
He told me he would, with brotherhood
(From sea to shining Sea)
Oh Lord, oh Lord, I thank you Lord
(Shining sea)
Players on the field
For those also keen to know what's happening on the field before the show, the two teams have now been welcomed out onto the field. There was a little booing for both the Kansas City back-to-back winners and Philadelphia, but that's to be expected.
Game time is getting close, but there's more musical interludes to come first.
Lady Gaga's tribute
After the horrific truck attack that shocked America in New Orleans in the early hours of this year, Lady Gaga paid tribute to those lost and injured with a song on Bourbon Street. Stronger together.
I already gave you the lowdown on multi-award-winning musician Jon Batiste who will sing the U.S. national anthem ahead of today’s big game, and two more Louisiana natives will do their thing as they sing “America the Beautiful”.
Lauren Daigle and Trombone Shorty will team up to follow in the footsteps of Post Malone, who performed the song at Super Bowl LVIII ahead of the Chiefs’ win over the San Francisco 49ers in February 2024.
Trump makes Super Bowl history
The first ever US president to attend the climax to the NFL season. No doubt he'll keep a low profile and never mention it again.
"King Kunta": a funk-fueled declaration
"King Kunta" is Kendrick's funk-infused track that references the story of Kunta Kinte, symbolizing resistance and empowerment. With its groovy baseline and assertive lyrics, this song could turn the halftime show into a royal affair. Crowns optional but encouraged.
For those wanting more information on the fictional character in the 1976 novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family by American author Alex Haley, check this out.
Kendrick Lamar - Swimming Pools (Drank)
"Changin' by the minute and the record on repeat..."
Surely everyone tonight will be drinking responsibly, hic?
You want more information about that outfit Taylor is wearing tonight? Here's our Jen with some early insight.
Swift in da house
OK, I'm going to be dropping in a selection of celebrity spots across the evening just because I know that's what you want.
First up, the Chiefs-following-singer-songwriter superstar that is Taylor Swift.
"Swimming Pools (Drank)": a sobering party anthem
At first listen, "Swimming Pools (Drank)" sounds like a party anthem, but dig deeper, and it's a commentary on alcohol culture and peer pressure. Performing this at the Super Bowl might be Kendrick's way of reminding us to enjoy responsibly—right before we reach for another chicken wing.
"DNA.": exploring identity with a beat
"DNA." is Kendrick's deep dive into the complexities of identity, culture, and personal history. With a pulsating beat and rapid-fire lyrics, it's a track that showcases his storytelling prowess.
If this makes the setlist, fans might need a lyric sheet to keep up—but who are we kidding? We'll all be too busy dancing.
Back to the Lamar songs...
So, we've already had a flavor of the potential set listers, so let's take a lookie/listen to a few more. Remember, we're likely to get a whole mix of them so you'll need to be alert to the specific moments...
The legal fallout and the aftermath
Drake wasn’t done—at least not legally.
In November 2024, he filed a defamation lawsuit against Kendrick’s label (UMG), claiming Not Like Us had ruined his reputation. He alleged that:
🕵️♂️ UMG used bots to boost Kendrick’s streams.
⚖️ The lyrics were defamatory (e.g., "certified pedophile" line).
The problem? "Not Like Us" had already hit 1 BILLION streams on Spotify. Fans weren’t just playing it—they were BELIEVING it.
Then, in January 2025, Drake tried to move past the feud by dropping a reflective freestyle (Fighting Irish), where he essentially admitted:
📝 "The world fell in love with the gimmicks... even my brothers got tickets."
Which, in rap terms, is as close as you get to saying, "Yeah, I lost that one."
And now? Kendrick Lamar is set to perform at the biggest event of the year—and you can bet he’ll be reminding everyone who came out on top.
🎤 Key Moment: Kendrick’s diss track outlived the actual legal battle.
😂 Takeaway: Drake filed lawsuits, Kendrick filed Grammy nominations.
Kendrick’s Super Bowl Halftime victory lap
If you thought Kendrick was done dancing on Drake’s career, you were wrong.
On June 19, 2024, at his The Pop Out concert in L.A., he performed Not Like Us… five times in a row. Each time, the crowd got louder. If Drake had any doubts about the damage inflicted, this was his funeral service in real-time.
Then, on July 4, Kendrick dropped the Not Like Us music video. In it? An owl piñata (a jab at Drake’s OVO logo), a literal caged owl, and an entire West Coast dance party at Drake’s expense.
By September, Kendrick was announced as the Super Bowl LIX Halftime performer.
👀 Fans: "Wait, isn’t that the biggest flex ever?"
🎤 Kendrick: Performs "Not Like Us" in front of 100 million viewers.
Legendary.
🎤 Key Moment: Kendrick secures THE biggest stage.
😂 Takeaway: Drake lost the rap battle and had to watch Kendrick win the Super Bowl stage.
April-May 2024: the diss track avalanche
By April, the beef fully exploded into a full-blown diss track war.
1️⃣ Drake drops "Push Ups" – A playful jab, clowning Kendrick’s size and rapping style. Kendrick ignores it.
2️⃣ Drake releases "Taylor Made Freestyle" – Using A.I. voices of Tupac & Snoop Dogg to roast Kendrick. Tupac’s estate threatens to sue. Awkward.
3️⃣ Kendrick finally responds with "Euphoria" – Six minutes of lethal bars. The internet loses its mind.
4️⃣ Kendrick follows up with "6:16 in L.A." – Allegedly calls out Drake’s inner circle for leaking info.
5️⃣ Drake fires back with "Family Matters" – Accuses Kendrick of having relationship issues and hiding secrets.
6️⃣ Kendrick retaliates within minutes with "Meet the Grahams" – Claims Drake has another secret child(?!?)
7️⃣ Kendrick finishes it with "Not Like Us" – The knockout punch.
The final track was a club banger that also doubled as character assassination. It went No. 1 on the Billboard charts—a rare feat for a diss track.
At this point, Kendrick wasn’t just rapping. He was playing chess, and Drake was running out of moves.
🎤 Key Moment: Not Like Us becomes an instant classic.
😂 Takeaway: When your diss track is played in clubs, you’ve already won.
2024: the gloves come off
Fast forward to March 22, 2024, and Kendrick Lamar must’ve woken up that morning and chosen destruction. His verse on Future & Metro Boomin’s Like That dropped, and BOOM—shots fired.
Anyone who gets offended by swear words should, well, not be interested in this blog, so I'll assume that's nobody!
🔥 “F**k sneak dissin’, first-person shooter / I hope they came with three switches.” 🔥
That was Kendrick directly aiming at Drake (and J. Cole, caught in the crossfire like a bystander in an action movie). The key lyric? “Motherfk the Big Three, n*a, it’s just big me.” Translation? Kendrick’s done playing nice.
Drake, now officially beefing with everyone, didn’t immediately respond on wax. Instead, he addressed it live on stage during his Florida tour stop, flexing his confidence:
🗣️ Drake: “Ain’t nobody on this earth that could ever f**k with me.”
👀 Fans: “Uh, bro… Kendrick just did.”
This was now more than just music. It was hip-hop’s Cold War, and both sides were stockpiling lyrical nukes.
🎤 Key Moment: Kendrick’s Like That verse torches Drake & J. Cole.
😂 Takeaway: Kendrick took the "Big Three" title and ran off with it.
How It all started: from Poetic Justice to Pure Carnage
Once upon a time in the hip-hop universe, Kendrick Lamar and Drake were besties—or at least friendly collaborators. They dropped hits like Poetic Justice, shared stages, and even exchanged public praise.
Then… Control happened. In 2013, Kendrick, riding high off his good kid, m.A.A.d city success, appeared on Big Sean’s track Control and decided to shake the rap world like a snow globe. He name-dropped all his competitors—including Drake—and basically declared himself their rap overlord.
Drake, sipping his tea (possibly from an OVO-branded mug), downplayed it. But then came more subliminal jabs, more cypher shots (BET Hip-Hop Awards 2013), and the friendly fire started turning nuclear. The bromance? Deader than a forgotten MySpace account.
At this point, things were still mostly lyrical posturing—rap’s version of a couple throwing shade on Instagram but not actually breaking up. Little did we know… the real war was coming.
🎤 Key Moment: Kendrick declares himself king and challenges Drake in Control.
😂 Takeaway: The biggest rap battle of the decade started with a friendly diss.
That Kendrick-Drake beef
OK, so I said earlier that I'd return to the story that has captured imaginations, filled headlines, and got a lot of people choosing sides.
So before the music (and that pig-skin-focused event for tonight) gets going, let's dive in, starting, as we should, where it all began...
OK, OK, I've had a number of people asking if I can provide a full list of performances over the years. So, here you go, in reverse order...
2025: Kendrick Lamar, SZA
2024: Usher, Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., Will.I.Am, Lil Jon, Ludacris.
2023: Rihanna
2022: Eminem, Dr. Dre. Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Anderson .Paak
2021: The Weeknd
2020: Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, J Balvin
2019: Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi
2018: Justin Timberlake, The Tennessee Kids
2017: Lady Gaga
2016: Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars
2015: Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott
2014: Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers
2013: Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child
2012: Madonna, CeeLo Green, LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A.
2011: The Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash
2010: The Who
2009: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
2008: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
2007: Prince and the Florida A&M marching band
2006: The Rolling Stones
2005: Paul McCartney
2004: Janet Jackson, Kid Rock, P. Diddy, Nelly and Justin Timberlake
2003: Shania Twain, No Doubt and Sting
2002: U2
2001: ‘The Kings of Rock and Pop’ with Aerosmith, ‘N’Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Nell’
2000: ‘A Tapestry of Nations’ with Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton
1999: ‘Celebration of Soul, Salsa and Swing’ with Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
1998: ‘A Tribute to Motown’s 40th Anniversary’ with Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Queen Latifah, Martha Reeves and The Temptations
1997: ‘Blues Brothers Bash’ with Dan Akroyd, John Goodman, James Belushi, James Brown and ZZ Top)
1996: Diana Ross
1995: ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye’ with Tony Bennett, Patti LaBelle, Arturo Sandoval, the Miami Sound Machine.
1994: ‘Rockin’ Country Sunday’ with Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Wynonna & Naomi Judd.
1993: ‘Heal the World’ with Michael Jackson.
1992: ‘Winter Magic’ with Gloria Estefan, Brian Boitano and Dorothy Hamill
1991: ‘A Small World Salute to 25 Years of the Super Bowl’ with New Kids on the Block
1990: ‘Salute to New Orleans’ with trumpeter Pete Fountain, Doug Kershaw & Irma Thomas
1989: ‘Be Bop Bamboozled’, 3D effects
1988: ‘Something Grand’ with 88 grand pianos, the Rockettes and Chubby Checker
1987: ‘Salute to Hollywood’s 100th Anniversary’
1986: ‘Beat of the Future’
1985: ‘A World of Children’s Dreams’
1984: ‘Super Bowl XVIII’s Salute to the Superstars of the Silver Screen’
1983: ‘KaleidoSUPERscope’
1982: ‘A Salute to the 60s and Motown’
1981: ‘To Mardi Gras Festival’
1980: ‘A Salute to the Big Band Era’ with Up with People
1979: ‘Super Bowl XIII Carnival’ with Ken Hamilton and various Caribbean bands
1978: ‘From Paris to the Paris of America’ with Tyler Apache Belles, Pete Fountain and Al Hirt
1977: ‘It’s a Small World’
1976: ‘200 Years and Just a Baby,’, tribute to America’s Bicentennial
1975: ‘Tribute to Duke Ellington’ with Mercer Ellington and Grambling State band
1974: ‘A Musical America’ with the University of Texas band
1973: ‘Happiness Is’ with the University of Michigan band and Woody Herman
1972: ‘Salute to Louis Armstrong’ with Ella Fitzgerald, Carol Channing and Al Hirtt
1971: Florida A&M band
1970: Carol Channing
1969: ‘America Thanks’ with the Florida A&M University band
1968: Grambling State Band
1967: University of Arizona and Grambling State Marching Band
And I've attached an article from our Paul which reveals which one drew in the most eyes.
Super Bowl Halftime stars keep shining bright
The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved into a global spectacle, featuring legendary artists like Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, The Rolling Stones, and U2. In a powerful tribute, the 2002 show honored the victims of 9/11, underscoring music’s ability to heal and unite. Prince’s electrifying rain-soaked performance in 2007 and Madonna’s record-breaking 2012 set, which drew 114 million viewers, further cemented the show’s reputation as a dazzling, star-studded event.
Over the years, the halftime stage has also been home to unforgettable and controversial moments—from Janet Jackson’s infamous "wardrobe malfunction" with Justin Timberlake to The Weeknd’s hypnotic hall-of-mirrors act and Rihanna’s surprise pregnancy reveal in 2023. With its mix of spectacle, surprises, and show-stopping performances, the Super Bowl halftime show remains a thrilling ride that keeps fans eagerly awaiting the next headline-making moment.
Those that followed: Ross, Brown, Aerosmith...
Michael Jackson set a benchmark so high that following in his footsteps felt like a near-impossible feat. The pursuit of even grander halftime spectacles began in 1996, when Diana Ross took center stage for the Super Bowl’s 30th anniversary. She opened with timeless Supremes hits while elevated on a mechanical platform, surrounded by a sea of dancers in a perfectly choreographed display. With multiple costume changes and a dazzling performance, Ross sealed her moment in history with a dramatic exit—soaring into the night sky aboard a helicopter.
The momentum carried into 1997, with a powerhouse lineup featuring the legendary James Brown, ZZ Top, and the Blues Brothers, who electrified the stage. As the new millennium arrived, halftime shows reached even greater heights. Super Bowl XXXV saw Aerosmith at the helm, delivering a showstopping rendition of Walk This Way alongside NSYNC, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly—an all-star crescendo that epitomized the ever-expanding spectacle of Super Bowl entertainment.
When Halftime Shows were rebooted
Jackson stood motionless at center stage for a mesmerizing 90 seconds, commanding the crowd's attention in complete silence before launching into a powerhouse medley of five iconic hits: "Jam," "Billie Jean," "Black or White," "We Are the World," and "Heal the World."
An astonishing 133 million viewers tuned in worldwide, making it the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show in history—a staggering milestone that underscored the sheer magnitude of this unforgettable spectacle.
With a seamless blend of music, visuals, and Jackson's unmatched showmanship, the performance redefined halftime entertainment, setting a new gold standard for all that followed.
It's a super time for Jackson
Recognizing the need for a game-changing halftime spectacle in the MTV era, the NFL enlisted the expertise of Radio City Productions in 1992. Their ambitious vision? A 15-minute, high-energy mini-concert starring the biggest artist on the planet—Michael Jackson.
Designed for maximum broadcast impact, the show featured cutting-edge video effects and a dazzling illusion, with Jackson lookalikes appearing atop the stadium’s video scoreboard before a stunning fireworks display lit up the sky. Moments later, the real King of Pop emerged center stage, dramatically propelled through a trap door like a human Jack-in-the-Box. This groundbreaking performance didn’t just entertain—it revolutionized Super Bowl halftime shows, setting a new gold standard that would shape the spectacle for generations to come.
Decline in Halftime Show interest
Nevertheless, in the subsequent two decades, halftime entertainment predominantly showcased groups such as Up with People, university bands, and drill teams. As the early '90s unfolded, a noticeable decline in television audiences emerged, with viewers frequently changing channels during the halftime interval. In a mere 12-month span, between Super Bowl XXIII and XXIV, the national television audience plummeted from 81.59 million to 73.85 million viewers.
This shift in viewer engagement reflected a need for a revitalized and captivating halftime experience to rekindle audience interest.
Tributes between the Super Bowl
Three years later, the halftime show continued its tradition of paying homage, this time honoring Fitzgerald's former collaborator, the legendary Duke Ellington.
These tributes not only showcased musical excellence but also contributed to the rich and diverse tapestry of performances that define the Super Bowl halftime experience.
Halftime jazz class show
In 1972, the sixth Super Bowl showcased a historic tribute to the late musical partner of the First Lady of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald. With trumpeter Al Hirt leading the way, Fitzgerald made history as the first Black woman to perform at a Super Bowl halftime show. In a stirring nod to her late collaborator Louis Armstrong, she delivered a powerful rendition of her 1960 hit, Mack the Knife.
This groundbreaking performance honored jazz legends while cementing a pivotal moment in Super Bowl halftime history.
Talking of that first ever Super Bowl, and consider the many thousands it costs fans to get to today's game, can you guess how much it cost for a ticket to see the Green Bay Packers against the Kansas City Chiefs that day in 1967?
I went back and had a look for this article.
The Super Bowl saints were marching
In the very first Super Bowl held in 1967, halftime entertainment took a more traditional turn, showcasing the talents of two university marching bands and the acclaimed trumpet player and bandleader, Al Hirt. The bands delivered a medley of familiar tunes, with the timeless "When the Saints Go Marching In" taking center stage, complemented by the dynamic performance of an 80-member troupe of high kickers executing their vibrant drill team routine.
Although I wasn't there, they say that this spirited and visually captivating spectacle (relative to the day, of course) succeeded in keeping spectators thoroughly engaged during the halftime break.
Halftime Shows: where it all began
For a generation raised on dazzling visuals, explosive effects, and high-energy spectacles, it may come as a surprise that the early Super Bowls featured halftime shows led primarily by marching bands playing familiar tunes—or, in some cases, no musical act at all.
That all changed in 1993 when Michael Jackson took the stage at Super Bowl XXVII in Pasadena, California. His electrifying five-song performance redefined what a halftime show could be, mesmerizing audiences and cementing its place as one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history—a legacy that still thrives today.
We have Michael to thank for revolutionizing the Super Bowl halftime show!
Let's now take a quick trip down halftime show memory lane...
Kendrick winning Record Of The Year
More reactions as our headliner tonight gets the big award.
Taylor dancing for Kendrick win
As well as cheering on her beau during each of the four quarters (and in overtime if my prediction is right) Taylor is likely to be doing her own version of the tush push during the halftime show. Check out the first few moments of this video where she celebrates Lamar's win.
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is one of the most prestigious gigs in the music industry, offering artists a global stagewith over 123 million viewers tuning in last year to watch Usher alongside Ludacris, Lil Jon, Alicia Keys, and more. It’s 15 minutes of pure career-boosting magic—and yet, Taylor Swift, arguably the biggest star on the planet, won’t be headlining this year.
Given her record-breaking Eras Tour and deep connection to the NFL (as an outspoken Kansas City Chiefs fan and Travis Kelce’s biggest supporter), Swift seemed like a perfect fit. But Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes shut down those hopes last week, explaining:
“As long as Trav’s playing and we’re in the Super Bowl, it’s going to be hard for her to do the halftime show.”
Mahomes, whose wife Brittany is close friends with Swift, added that while she may not be performing, her presence has brought a new wave of fans to football—including his own daughter, Sterling.
So while Kendrick Lamar takes center stage at halftime, Swift will be in the stands at the Caesars Superdome, cheering Kelce and the Chiefs on as they chase a historic three-peat.
Who's singing the national anthem for Super Bowl LIX?
The multi-award-winning musician Jon Batiste will kick off Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans by performing the U.S. national anthem, setting the stage for the highly anticipated showdown.
Who is Jon Batiste?
A Louisiana native, Batiste hails from the New Orleans area, where he honed his craft as a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. Over the years, he has amassed an impressive seven Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for We Are (2021). Just last week, he added two more Grammys to his collection for his work on the documentary American Symphony.
His accolades don’t stop at music—Batiste has also won an Academy Award (Best Original Score for Pixar’s Soul) and an Emmy, putting him just one Tony Award away from joining the prestigious EGOT club, an achievement only 21 entertainers in history have reached.
Tonight’s anthem performance is deeply personal for Batiste, as he dedicates it to his late grandfather, David Gauthier, a Navy veteran who helped break racial barriers in the U.S. military. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Batiste emphasized that he is singing for America’s collective healing, honoring those who have fought for freedom and unity.
Let's take a little breather from the potential set list and see what else is going on...
"HUMBLE.": a lesson in modesty, Kendrick style
Modesty may not be something that is often associated with much of rap music but in "HUMBLE.," Kendrick delivers a paradoxical command: "Sit down, be humble."
It's a track that combines a catchy piano riff with a message about staying grounded amidst success. If he performs this at halftime, let's hope the players take note and keep their touchdown dances modest... but I won't be holding my breath, and to be honest I love the bravado involved in winning!
Kendrick Lamar and SZA - All The Stars
The question is, is it anything and everything you hoped for? ... or does the feeling haunt you?
"All the Stars": a celestial collaboration with SZA
When Kendrick and SZA teamed up for "All the Stars," the result was pure magic. The song blends Kendrick's sharp lyricism with SZA's soulful melodies, creating a track that's both uplifting and introspective.
Given their on-stage chemistry, this performance might just outshine the Super Bowl's own star-studded lineup.
Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us
He's looking for the broccoli and he sees dead people... Watch out Drake!
"Not Like Us": the diss track that shook the industry
If you've been keeping up then you know that Kendrick's "Not Like Us" isn't just a song; it's a lyrical heavyweight bout that left the rap community buzzing.
Born from his feud with Drake, this track pulls no punches. With lines like, "You claim the throne, but your crown's a rental," Kendrick asserts his dominance. Performing this at the Super Bowl is like spiking the football in the end zone after a 90-yard touchdown. But what twists could he throw in? And given the toxicity, who is going to be caught on camera singing along?
While Corina and Will have been keeping their eyes and ears open all week to what we can expect, there's always likely to be a few surprises. But here's how the initial plan seemed to be getting scoped out.
Kendrick vs Drake
Talking of choosing between two stars 😅, you must have already heard about the beef between tonight's headliner Kendrick and Drake, two of the globe's biggest rap artists in recent years. Well, don't you worry, I'll be digging deeper into that later in the build up, as I'm pretty sure the show is going to influence where the spat goes next.
In the meantime, what do we know about the set-list and the supporting cast?
OK, as you'll quickly notice, I'm going to be jumping about between the gridiron and the lyrical masterpiece we're expecting, along with a bunch of other things I note along the way. But if you've stumbled across this coverage and are 100% focused on the points scoring, then you'll want to jump over to our sport only feed.
You'll struggle to find better insights than from our Dane... but keep me open too and you can enjoy us both!
Forget football, at least for a few minutes
Yes, yes, the main draw for tonight's audience is the game itself, but as we've seen in previous years, there's clearly a sizeable proportion of the following that's here for the musical interlude, and all that comes with that.
Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Kendrick Lamar is the one taking center stage. Known for his profound storytelling and electrifying performances, Lamar is set to deliver a show that will resonate for years to come, I say hopefully! Joining him, our sources tell us, will be guests DJ Mustard, SZA, Dr Dre and Baby Keem (his cousin).
Will there be any other surprise? We certainly expect there to be...
With talk about the three peat, here's some interesting chat from our Roddy on the forgotten ones.
Venue spotlight: Caesars Superdome
Tonight's spectacle unfolds in the legendary Caesars Superdome, a venue that has witnessed numerous historic moments in sports and entertainment. Located in the heart of New Orleans, the Superdome is renowned for its electric atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities. This stadium has been the backdrop for multiple Super Bowls, each etched into the annals of NFL history. Learn more about the venue's rich legacy on its official website.
The rematch: Chiefs vs Eagles
History has a way of repeating itself, and tonight, the Chiefs and Eagles meet again in a Super Bowl showdown, echoing their encounter in Super Bowl LVII two years ago. The Chiefs, led by the indomitable Patrick Mahomes, are eyeing an unprecedented third consecutive championship. Standing in their way are the Eagles, driven by a desire for redemption and armed with a formidable roster.
Super Bowl LIX 2025: Halftime Show welcome
Hello and a very warm welcome to Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Live! The only blog that will take you through every step of the build-up, performance, and post-show reaction—right up until your game-day snacks run out or you’re too emotionally drained to continue. Personally, I’ve prepped for the long haul: pizza ordered, drinks chilled, and a post-event appointment scheduled with my chiropractor to recover from excessive halftime hype-jumping.
Yes, yes, there’s also a rather important football game happening tonight—the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are about to collide in what could be a historic rematch at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. If you’re here for that, don’t worry, our team will be breaking down every Mahomes magic moment and huge Hurts highlight.
But let’s be real. The true MVPs of this feed aren’t the quarterbacks, the coaches, or the defensive masterminds. It’s the artists, the stage designers, and the pyro technicians who have been plotting an audiovisual spectacle so jaw-dropping that even the ancient Romans would have paused their gladiatorial combat to tune in.
This year’s headline act? Kendrick Lamar. A lyrical genius, a showman of the highest order, and a performer who doesn’t just take the stage—he owns it. But that’s not all. He’s bringing a special guest—SZA—to elevate this show into a halftime setlist we’ll be dissecting for years. Expect impeccable flows, soul-stirring vocals, and a production budget that could power a small city.
This is the battle between touchdowns and track drops, between highlight reels and high notes. Sure, the Chiefs might be on the verge of a historic three-peat, and the Eagles are hungry for redemption, but they get to do this every year. Our halftime headliners get one shot—one golden, glitter-drenched, pyrotechnic-fueled chance to go down in entertainment history.
So grab your nachos, brace yourself for lasers, fireworks, and possibly some genre-bending surprises, and let’s settle in. Right here, it’s beats over blitzes, choreography over coverages, and—who knows?—maybe even some shared love for oversized shoulder pads.
Let the halftime countdown begin! 🚀🎤🏈