Kendrick Lamar has officially been announced as the headlining act for the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2025. This announcement was made through a video posted on the rapper's YouTube channel on September 8. In the video, Lamar stands on a football field adorned with a massive American flag, throwing footballs as he addresses the audience. "What you doing everybody? My name's Kendrick Lamar, and I'll be performing at Super Bowl LIX. Will you be pulling up?" he enthusiastically asks viewers. Lamar encourages fans to attend the event at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025.
This performance will mark a significant milestone in Lamar's career, as he previously made a guest appearance during Dr. Dre's star-studded Halftime Show in 2022, which also featured notable artists like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent. Reflecting on the importance of rap music, Lamar commented, "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."
The announcement comes at an eventful time for Lamar, following a reported feud with fellow rapper Drake earlier this year. Lamar's latest diss track, "Not Like Us," took the Billboard Hot 100 by storm and broke streaming records, affirming his strong presence in the music scene.
This year's Halftime Show was notably headlined by Usher, alongside appearances from Alicia Keys, H.E.R., and will.i.am, and has seen a variety of high-caliber performances over the years. Observers are already considering what Lamar's contribution will bring to this iconic platform for entertainment during one of the year's most-watched events. For those keen on karaoke, wear your best attire from home, as Lamar has suggested, to join in on what promises to be a memorable occasion. For further details on the Halftime history, check out NME's ranking of the best Super Bowl halftime shows.