The Definitive Guide: When Does The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show 2025 Start?

The countdown is officially on for the most-watched musical event of the year: the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. As of today, December 18, 2025, the game’s kickoff time is set, and the headlining performer has been confirmed, allowing us to pinpoint the exact window for when the spectacle will begin. For fans planning their viewing party or just tuning in for the music, the consensus is that the show will start between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM Eastern Time (ET), with the most likely estimated start time being around 8:15 PM ET.

This highly anticipated event will feature a historic performance by one of music's most decorated artists, Kendrick Lamar, taking place at the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The precision of the start time depends on the flow of the first half of the game, but the 90-minute mark following the initial kickoff remains the industry standard for estimating the start of the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show 2025: Date, Time, and Performer Profile

The Super Bowl Halftime Show is not just a concert; it’s a global cultural moment. Understanding the core details of Super Bowl LIX is essential to predicting the exact moment the music will start. Here is a complete breakdown of the event and the artist at the center of the 2025 spectacle.

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• Event: Super Bowl LIX (59th Edition)
• Date: Sunday, February 9, 2025
• Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Kickoff Time (Official): 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) / 5:30 PM Central Time (CT)
• Halftime Show Estimated Start Time: 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET
• Broadcasting Network: FOX
• Halftime Show Sponsor: Apple Music

The Headliner: Kendrick Lamar Biography and Career Highlights

On September 8, 2024, the NFL and Apple Music officially announced that the headliner for the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show would be the Multi-Grammy Award-winning rapper, Kendrick Lamar. Known for his profound lyricism, complex narratives, and jazz-infused production, Lamar's selection has generated significant buzz, with some reports suggesting SZA may join him as a special guest.

• Full Name: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
• Born: June 17, 1987 (Age 37 as of Dec 2025)
• Hometown: Compton, California
• Genre: Hip hop, West Coast hip hop, conscious hip hop
• Debut Album: *Section.80* (2011)
• Breakthrough Album: *Good Kid, M.A.A.D City* (2012)
• Major Accolades: 17 Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Music (for the album *DAMN.*), and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. He is the first non-jazz or non-classical artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music.
• Key Albums: *To Pimp a Butterfly*, *DAMN.*, *Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers*
• Previous Super Bowl Appearance: He was a featured performer in the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show in 2022, alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent.

How to Calculate The Exact Halftime Show 2025 Time

Predicting the exact moment the Super Bowl Halftime Show begins requires understanding the pacing of a typical NFL game and the unique structure of the Super Bowl’s first half. The 6:30 PM ET kickoff is the fixed point, but the first two quarters of play are not strictly timed.

The 90-Minute Rule of Thumb

The most reliable estimation for the start of the Super Bowl Halftime Show is that it begins approximately 90 minutes after the official kickoff. This 90-minute window accounts for the following elements:

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• First Quarter (15 minutes): The first quarter of play.
• Quarter Break (2-3 minutes): A short break between the first and second quarters.
• Second Quarter (15 minutes): The second quarter of play.
• Official Stoppages: Timeouts, injury reviews, penalties, and challenges, which can add significant, unpredictable time to the half.
• TV Commercials: The Super Bowl has extended commercial breaks, especially near the end of the second quarter, to maximize advertising revenue.

Given the 6:30 PM ET kickoff, the 90-minute mark lands at 8:00 PM ET. However, the nature of the game and the inevitable stoppages almost always push the start time back by 15 to 30 minutes. Therefore, the safest bet for tuning in is to ensure you are watching by 8:15 PM ET.

Why The Halftime Show is Longer Than a Regular Game Break

A standard NFL game's halftime is only 12 minutes long, giving the players a short rest and allowing the stadium to run a few promotions. The Super Bowl, however, is an entirely different beast. The Super Bowl Halftime Show is an extended 30-minute period. This extended time is crucial for the massive logistical undertaking required to pull off the performance.

The 30-minute block is divided into three key phases:

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• Set-Up (Approx. 8 Minutes): Hundreds of crew members must swiftly assemble a massive stage, lighting rigs, pyrotechnics, and sound equipment on the field. This is a highly choreographed, military-precision operation.
• The Performance (Approx. 13-15 Minutes): The main event. Kendrick Lamar's performance is expected to run for this duration, featuring a medley of his biggest hits like "HUMBLE.," "DNA.," "Money Trees," and potentially new material or a collaboration with SZA.
• Tear-Down (Approx. 7 Minutes): The crew must remove every piece of equipment as quickly as it was assembled to prepare the field for the start of the third quarter. This speed is essential to minimize the delay for the players.

The total duration of the Super Bowl LIX halftime break is approximately 30 minutes, which is more than double the length of a typical NFL game's halftime. This extended break is what allows for the elaborate production that has become a hallmark of the Super Bowl.

What To Watch For: Kendrick Lamar’s Potential Setlist and Guest Rumors

Kendrick Lamar's discography offers a wealth of material for a powerful 15-minute showcase. Given his past performances and the nature of the Super Bowl audience, his setlist is likely to balance his chart-topping hits with his more critically acclaimed, thought-provoking tracks.

Potential Setlist Entities & Tracks:

• "HUMBLE.": A guaranteed inclusion, known for its massive commercial success and punchy beat.
• "DNA.": A fan favorite from the *DAMN.* album, showcasing his lyrical dexterity.
• "Alright": The unofficial anthem of a generation, a powerful and iconic track from *To Pimp a Butterfly*.
• "Money Trees" / "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe": Tracks from *Good Kid, M.A.A.D City* that offer a nostalgic West Coast vibe.
• "The Heart Part 5": His recent, critically-acclaimed single, which could provide a powerful opening or closing statement.

Guest Performer Speculation:

While Kendrick Lamar is a powerful solo act, the Super Bowl Halftime Show rarely features just one artist. The most persistent rumor involves SZA, who is a frequent collaborator and was mentioned in early reports. Other potential guest entities could include:

• Dr. Dre: Given their history and Dr. Dre's role in the 2022 show, a surprise appearance is always possible.
• Schoolboy Q or Ab-Soul: Members of his hip-hop collective, Black Hippy.
• Rihanna: A long-shot but a major star who has worked with Lamar.

Ultimately, to catch the moment Kendrick Lamar takes the stage at the Caesars Superdome, set your alarms for 8:00 PM ET and keep the television tuned to FOX. The show will be underway shortly after, offering a spectacular 30-minute break in the action of Super Bowl LIX.