The Ultimate Playbook: 5 Shocking Facts And Setlist Predictions For The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show (Kendrick Lamar & SZA)

The countdown is officially on for the biggest 15 minutes in music and sports. As of today, December 18, 2025, the anticipation for the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show has reached a fever pitch, with the world preparing for a monumental performance from one of hip-hop's most influential figures, Kendrick Lamar. The event, set to take place on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, promises to be a genre-defining spectacle, cementing its place in music history. This year's show is not just a performance; it's a cultural moment, featuring a production scale rumored to be one of the largest ever attempted in the venue, all centered around the lyrical genius of Lamar and the soulful presence of his confirmed special guest, SZA. Forget the old rumors—we have the definitive, most up-to-date facts, insider details, and setlist predictions that will shape the conversation leading up to Super Bowl LIX.

The Confirmed Lineup: Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and the New Orleans Stage

The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation made the official announcement that multi-Grammy Award winner and Pulitzer Prize recipient, Kendrick Lamar, will headline the highly anticipated halftime show.

This news immediately shifted the focus from speculation to excitement, as Lamar is known for his intricate storytelling, powerful stage presence, and politically charged music. The choice of Lamar is a strong statement, bringing a voice of profound cultural impact to the global stage.

Kendrick Lamar: A Brief Biography

• Full Name: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
• Born: June 17, 1987 (Age 38 as of the performance date)
• Hometown: Compton, California
• Career Highlights: 17 Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Music (for the album DAMN.), and multiple platinum-selling albums.
• Key Albums: good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), DAMN. (2017), Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (2022).

SZA: The Confirmed Special Guest

Adding another layer of star power, the only officially confirmed guest performer is the critically acclaimed R&B singer-songwriter, SZA. SZA and Lamar have a history of successful collaborations, most notably the Oscar-nominated track "All the Stars" from the Black Panther soundtrack. Their joint appearance is expected to be a highlight, potentially featuring other hits like "Doves in the Wind" and "luther," tracks where their musical chemistry shines.

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5 Shocking Facts About the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Production

The Super Bowl Halftime Show is a logistical marvel, requiring hundreds of people to transform a football field into a concert stage in mere minutes. The 2025 production in New Orleans is gearing up to be particularly ambitious.

1. The Set Footprint is Massive

Reports suggest the Super Bowl LIX halftime show will feature one of the largest set footprints in the event's history, spanning nearly the entire length of the Caesars Superdome field. This enormous scale hints at complex choreography, multiple staging areas, and elaborate visual effects, typical of a Roc Nation-produced show.

2. The "Road to Halftime" Campaign is Unprecedented

Apple Music, the official sponsor, has launched a comprehensive "Road to Halftime" campaign, heavily promoting Kendrick Lamar's journey to the stage. This multi-platform push, which includes exclusive content and playlists, demonstrates the immense marketing weight behind this specific performance, aiming to make it a streaming and cultural phenomenon.

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3. New Orleans' Musical Soul Will Be Honored

While the headliner is from Compton, the performance is taking place in New Orleans, a city with an unparalleled musical heritage—the birthplace of jazz. While unconfirmed, experts speculate that the production will subtly or overtly incorporate elements of New Orleans culture, perhaps featuring local brass bands or unique visual aesthetics that pay homage to the city's vibrant history and Mardi Gras spirit. The Caesars Superdome, hosting its eighth Super Bowl, is a venue steeped in musical tradition.

4. A Cinematic Broadcast Experience

The show will be captured with state-of-the-art technology, including a production rig utilizing 14 cameras, mostly high-end Sony VENICE 2 models. This choice of cinematic-grade equipment suggests a focus on high-quality, film-like imagery, promising viewers at home an exceptionally immersive and visually stunning experience.

5. Potential Surprise Celebrity Guests

While SZA is the only confirmed musical guest, the Super Bowl Halftime Show is famous for its surprises. Given Lamar's extensive network and history, industry insiders are buzzing about potential appearances. Past rumors for this show have even included non-musical celebrities like actor Samuel L. Jackson and tennis legend Serena Williams, though these remain unverified. A highly speculated musical guest is producer Mustard, who was reportedly at the event to support Lamar. Other potential collaborators from Lamar’s career, such as Anderson .Paak, could also make a shocking, unannounced appearance.

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Kendrick Lamar’s Predicted Super Bowl LIX Halftime Setlist

A typical Super Bowl Halftime Show features a tightly packed set of 8-12 songs, often truncated into medleys to fit the strict time limit. For Kendrick Lamar, the challenge lies in condensing a decade of genre-defining hits into a 15-minute showcase. Based on his biggest tracks, recent releases, and fan betting odds, here is the most likely setlist.

The Essential Hits (Near Locks)

These tracks are considered mandatory for a global audience and are the foundation of Lamar's commercial success.

• "HUMBLE.": Arguably his most recognizable and commercially successful song, this is a guaranteed show-stopper and a strong candidate for the opening track.
• "DNA.": A powerful, high-energy track from the Pulitzer-winning album DAMN., perfect for a stadium crowd.
• "All the Stars" (with SZA): The confirmed presence of SZA makes this collaboration a near certainty, providing a melodic contrast to the rap-heavy set.
• "Swimming Pools (Drank)": An early career smash hit that remains incredibly popular and would appeal to a broad audience.

The Cultural Moment Tracks (High Probability)

These songs reflect Lamar's current cultural relevance and recent success.

• "Not Like Us": This massive, chart-topping diss track, produced by Mustard, became an instant cultural phenomenon in 2024. It is heavily favored by oddsmakers to be the final song, providing a massive, triumphant closing moment.
• "King Kunta" / "Alright": Both tracks from To Pimp a Butterfly are powerful, politically relevant, and feature the kind of energy that translates perfectly to a live, televised event.

The Deep Cuts & Guest Feature Tracks (Possible Surprises)

Lamar is known for his artistry, and he may include a deeper cut or a track that highlights his versatility.

• "tv off" / "luther" (with SZA): Newer tracks from his recent work or collaborations with SZA that show his evolution as an artist.
• "B-tch Don't Kill My Vibe": A fan-favorite from good kid, m.A.A.d city that could be featured in a medley.

The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show promises to be a landmark event. With Kendrick Lamar's confirmed headlining spot, SZA as a dynamic guest, and a massive production planned for the Caesars Superdome, February 9, 2025, is set to deliver an unforgettable performance that will be discussed for years to come. The blend of Lamar's lyrical mastery and SZA's soulful sound, all set against the backdrop of New Orleans, ensures a cultural moment that transcends the football game itself.