Introduction
The Super Bowl LIX halftime show in 2025 has officially been unveiled, and it promises to be one of the most talked-about live music events of the year. With headline act Kendrick Lamar, special guest SZA, and a lineup of supporting performances paying tribute to New Orleans’ rich musical heritage, this show is setting the stage for hype, spectacle, and cultural significance. In this post, we’ll dive into the complete performer list, highlight key moments to watch, break down what makes this edition stand out, and answer your FAQs about how to watch and what to expect.
Event & Venue Info
- Date: 9 February 2025
- Venue: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Highlight: The show is known as the “Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show” (sponsor).
- Why New Orleans matters: The city’s rich musical heritage, including its first-line, brass, jazz, and cultural traditions, makes it a fitting stage for a halftime show with intricate musical layering.
Full Lineup: From Pregame to Halftime
Here’s a breakdown of the key performers, from the national anthem to the main event:
Pregame & Anthem Performances
- Jon Batiste: To perform “The Star-Spangled Banner”.
- Ledisi: Will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (often considered the Black national anthem) ahead of the game. Lauren Daigle & Trombone Shorty: Collaborating on “America the Beautiful,” an homage to the host city’s musical roots.
Halftime Show Main Act & Guests
- Headliner: Kendrick Lamar – the first solo rapper to headline a Super Bowl halftime show.
- Special Guest: SZA – joining Lamar on stage for the performance.
- Additional appearances:
- Samuel L. Jackson (in role) — appears in the show’s artistic narrative. Serena Williams is making a cameo appearance during the performance, collaborating on stage with DJ Mustard and Lamar.
Highlights & What to Expect
1. A Hip-Hop Milestone
Kendrick Lamar’s selection as headliner marks a key moment: the first time a solo hip-hop artist takes centre stage at the Super Bowl halftime show—Lamar’s catalog of socially conscious lyrics, strong visuals, and expectations.
2. Diverse Supporting Acts
The inclusion of SZA adds a R&B/soulful texture to the show. Meanwhile, the pregame performances by Ledisi, Daigle, and Trombone Shorty not only honour the host city but broaden the musical palette beyond pop, adding jazz and gospel influences.
3. Visual & Narrative Flourish
With Samuel L. Jackson appearing and Serena Williams making an on-stage cameo, the show is framed as more than just a spectacle, a narrative, and a culture. Reports suggest Jackson appears as a character of sorts, setting the tone.
4. Cultural Resonance & Audience Reach
Lamar’s performance is expected to reach massive viewership — the nature of the Super Bowl halftime show itself is among the most-watched live TV events. The partnership with Apple Music as sponsor also signals a blending of streaming culture and live broadcast spectacle.
5. Location-Inspired Set Design
Being held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans highlights the importance of regional musical identity. Trombone Shorty’s brass, the city’s second-line traditions, all tie into the show’s aesthetic.
Key Songs & Moments to Watch
While the official set list may not be fully released in advance, media sources suggest the following points of interest:
- Expect a medley of Kendrick Lamar’s hits (including tracks from his recent album GNX) and signature songs such as “All The Stars” (with SZA).
- A standout moment when the stadium might incorporate visual surprises — e.g., actor appearances, dynamic stage transitions, nods to the local culture of New Orleans.
- The pregame performances themselves are expected to be emotional and symbolic, featuring notable acts such as Ledisi’s rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and Daigle/Trombone Shorty’s collaboration, among others.
Why This Show Matters
- Genre evolution: The halftime show has historically skewed toward pop and rock. Kendrick Lamar’s headline role signals hip-hop’s ascendancy in mainstream cultural moments.
- Representation & diversity: With a mix of genres (hip-hop, R&B, gospel, jazz), local culture (New Orleans musicians), and special guests beyond just musical acts, this show has a broad footprint.
- Streaming + Broadcast: With Apple Music as the sponsor and broadcast platforms collaborating, the show straddles the traditional TV and modern streaming worlds.
- Cultural celebration of host city: New Orleans’ musical heritage is front and centre, making this more than a performance—it’s a tribute.
FAQS
Q: When does the halftime show start?
A: The game kicks off at about 6:30 PM ET. The halftime show is expected to take place between ~8:00 and 8:30 PM ET.
Q: How can I watch the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show?
A: In the U.S., the broadcast will be on FOX and FOX Deportes, and streamed via platforms like Tubi. If you’re outside the U.S., check local broadcasters and streaming rights to ensure you can access the content.
Q: Who produced the halftime show?
A: The show is produced by Roc Nation and Jesse Collins Entertainment, directed by Hamish Hamilton (who has directed multiple Super Bowl shows).
Q: Are there any surprise guests expected?
A: While officially unconfirmed, past patterns and media commentary suggest that surprise guest appearances are likely (especially given Samuel LJackson’s’s involvement and Serena Williams’ cameo).
Q: What songs will be performed?
A: The exact set-list hasn’t been fully disclosed, but expect a mix of Kendrick Lamar’s biggest hits, collaborations with SZA (such as “All The Stars”), plus touches of local music traditions for the pregame acts.
Conclusion
The Super Bowl LIX halftime show on 9 February 2025 is poised to be a landmark moment in live-performance culture. With Kendrick Lamar stepping into the headline slot as a solo hip-hop artist, joined by SZA, and framed by the musical spirit of New Orleans, this show is shaping up to deliver big on spectacle, relevance, and musical diversity. Whether you’re tuning in for the live experience, streaming highlights afterward, or simply interested in cultural milestones, this is one to mark on your calendar. Prepare for bold visuals, genre-defining moments, and a halftime show that speaks to the times.
Stay tuned, enjoy the music—and make sure you don’t miss the show!
