The Ultimate Guide To Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show: When Kendrick Lamar Takes The Stage In 2025

The most anticipated 15 minutes in television—the Super Bowl Halftime Show—is set to take place on a Sunday evening in early 2025, and the details are now fully confirmed. As of today, December 18, 2025, fans have all the information they need to mark their calendars, from the exact date and location to the monumental headliner. The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show promises to be a cultural moment, blending the high-stakes drama of the NFL championship with a world-class musical performance.

This year’s event is a must-watch for both football and music enthusiasts, especially with the official announcement of a groundbreaking artist taking the center stage. The Halftime Show is more than just a break in the action; it’s a global spectacle that generates massive buzz, and the 2025 performance is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about in recent history. Here is everything you need to know about when to tune in and what to expect from the year's biggest concert.

Super Bowl LIX: Date, Location, and Official Kickoff Time

To pinpoint the exact moment the Halftime Show will begin, you first need the foundational details of the main event: Super Bowl LIX. The National Football League (NFL) championship game is the anchor for the entire broadcast, and its schedule dictates the timing of the musical interlude. This year, the game returns to a city synonymous with music and celebration.

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The Official Super Bowl LIX Schedule

The 2025 Super Bowl, officially named Super Bowl LIX, is scheduled for:

• Date: Sunday, February 9, 2025
• Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Kickoff Time: 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)
• Broadcaster: The game will be televised nationally on FOX

The Caesars Superdome, a historic venue, is hosting its eighth Super Bowl, bringing the iconic event back to the vibrant culture of New Orleans. With kickoff set for 6:30 PM ET, the entire broadcast, including the pre-game ceremonies and the game itself, will be a multi-hour television event.

The Estimated Start Time for the Halftime Show 2025

The biggest question for non-football fans is always: "When exactly does the music start?" Since the Halftime Show is a break between the second and third quarters, its start time is not fixed but is dependent on the flow of the first half of the game. However, based on decades of Super Bowl history, a very reliable time window can be established.

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The first half of an NFL game, including all the stoppages, penalties, and commercial breaks, typically lasts about 90 minutes. After the second quarter concludes, there is a short break before the official 12-to-15 minute Halftime Show begins.

• Approximate Start Time: The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show is expected to begin between 8:00 PM ET and 8:30 PM ET on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
• Central Time: For those in New Orleans (Central Standard Time/CST), the show will start between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
• Duration: The performance itself usually lasts about 13-15 minutes, making it a high-energy, non-stop barrage of hits.

If you are planning a Super Bowl watch party and only care about the music, setting your reminder for 8:00 PM ET is your safest bet to catch the opening moments of the performance.

The Confirmed Headliner: Kendrick Lamar Takes the Stage

The biggest news surrounding the 2025 Halftime Show is the official confirmation of the headlining act. In a move that solidifies the NFL's commitment to showcasing hip-hop royalty, the league announced a multi-Grammy Award-winning artist will take the reins.

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Kendrick Lamar: The King of Compton Returns

It was officially announced in September 2024 that the critically acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. This performance marks a significant moment in his career and for the genre, as Lamar is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important artists of his generation. He previously appeared as a featured guest during the iconic Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show in 2022, which was headlined by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent, but this will be his first time as the solo headliner.

Lamar's catalog, which includes monumental albums like Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, To Pimp a Butterfly, and DAMN., provides a deep well of material for a spectacular, high-concept performance. His blend of intricate lyricism, social commentary, and high-energy delivery is perfect for the Super Bowl stage.

Potential Guest Appearances and Topical Authority

The Halftime Show tradition often includes surprise guest appearances, and a Kendrick Lamar performance opens the door to a star-studded lineup of collaborators. While the official guest list is always kept under wraps until the moment of the show, speculation is high for several key figures:

• SZA: A frequent collaborator with Lamar and a massive star in her own right, SZA is a strong candidate for a guest spot. Their joint track "All the Stars" from the Black Panther soundtrack is a global hit that would electrify the crowd.
• Dr. Dre: Given Dre's role as a mentor and his production influence on Lamar’s early career, a passing-of-the-torch moment or a joint performance of a classic track would be a historic highlight.
• The Weeknd or Travis Scott: Both artists have collaborated with Lamar and have the star power and stage presence suitable for the Super Bowl.
• New Orleans Icons: Given the show's location, a nod to local musical legends, perhaps a brief appearance by a jazz or bounce music artist, would honor the city's rich musical heritage.

The choice of Kendrick Lamar, a pure hip-hop artist known for his complex narratives, confirms the genre's permanent place at the pinnacle of American entertainment. Fans are expecting a performance that is not only musically brilliant but also visually and thematically powerful, continuing the legacy established by recent performers like Rihanna and Usher.

Why the 2025 Halftime Show is a Must-Watch Event

The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show is poised to be more than just a concert; it's a cultural benchmark. The combination of the festive atmosphere of New Orleans, the legendary status of the Caesars Superdome, and the raw, artistic power of Kendrick Lamar creates a perfect storm of entertainment.

Topical Authority and LSI Keywords:

The convergence of the NFL's biggest event and a global superstar creates massive search interest. Keywords like Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show performer, Apple Music Halftime Show 2025, and Kendrick Lamar setlist predictions are already trending. The show's success hinges on its ability to deliver a performance that is both nostalgic for long-time fans and fresh for new listeners, covering his biggest chart-topping hits while maintaining his artistic integrity. The entire event is a massive logistical challenge, orchestrated by the NFL and its partners, demonstrating a mastery of live event production and television broadcast scheduling.

For fans who want to catch every moment, remember the key time: Sunday, February 9, 2025, with the Halftime Show kicking off around 8:00 PM ET. Prepare for a show that will set the standard for live music events for years to come.