The Ultimate Breakdown Of The Super Bowl Halftime Show 2025: Kendrick Lamar, SZA, And 7 Must-Play Songs

The highly anticipated Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show is officially set, and for the first time in over a decade, the performance will bring a distinctly West Coast hip-hop energy to the heart of Louisiana. As of today, December 18, 2025, the headliner is confirmed to be the Pulitzer Prize-winning rap icon, Kendrick Lamar, who is set to deliver what many are predicting will be a politically charged and visually stunning spectacle. This article dives deep into the confirmed performers, the powerful production team behind the scenes, and the seven most likely songs that will make the final, high-stakes setlist in New Orleans.

Set to take place on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the legendary Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, Super Bowl LIX is primed for a halftime show that promises to be a cultural moment. The choice of Kendrick Lamar, known for his intricate storytelling and powerful stage presence, signals a continued commitment by the NFL and Apple Music to feature artists who are not only massive commercial successes but also critical darlings with deep, meaningful catalogs. Get ready for the definitive breakdown of everything you need to know about the biggest 15 minutes in music.

Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show: Confirmed Performers and Core Details

The speculation machine for the Super Bowl Halftime Show is always running at full speed, but the official announcements for Super Bowl LIX have solidified a lineup that has fans buzzing. The decision to tap Kendrick Lamar, a figure who has redefined modern hip-hop, guarantees a performance with both artistic depth and mainstream appeal.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

The Confirmed Headliner: Kendrick Lamar

• Full Name: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
• Role: Headliner, Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show
• Date of Birth: June 17, 1987 (Age 38 at time of performance)
• Hometown: Compton, California
• Key Albums: good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), DAMN. (2017), Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022), GNX (2024)
• Notable Awards: 17 Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Music (the first non-jazz or classical artist to receive the honor)
• Halftime History: This will be Lamar's second Super Bowl Halftime Show appearance, following his unforgettable role in the 2022 show alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige.

The Special Guest: SZA

In a thrilling announcement trailer, it was confirmed that the Grammy-winning R&B sensation SZA will join Kendrick Lamar as a special guest performer. This is a strategic and highly anticipated pairing, as both artists are signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and have a strong history of collaboration. The timing is perfect, as SZA's star power has only grown exponentially since the release of her critically acclaimed album SOS, making her one of the most streamed artists globally. Her presence guarantees a melodic and soulful contrast to Lamar's hard-hitting verses, promising one of the most dynamic guest spots in recent memory.

The Powerhouse Production Team

The massive undertaking of the Super Bowl Halftime Show is helmed by a team of industry giants, ensuring a seamless and spectacular delivery. The telecast is set to be produced by Diversified Production Services (DPS), with the following key players maintaining creative and executive control:

• Executive Producers: Jay-Z and Roc Nation, Jesse Collins
• Director: Hamish Hamilton (a Halftime Show veteran)
• Creative Involvement: Kendrick Lamar's own company, pgLang, has been noted to be involved in the production design, suggesting a deep, personal creative touch on the visual aspects of the performance.

The New Orleans Factor: Blending Compton and the Bayou

The location of Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, adds a fascinating layer of complexity and cultural pressure to Kendrick Lamar's performance. New Orleans is a city with a distinct musical heritage—the birthplace of jazz and a major hub for Bounce music and Southern hip-hop. The initial announcement of a West Coast hip-hop headliner performing in the heart of the South sparked some local debate and curiosity.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Kendrick Lamar is known for his ability to weave complex narratives about his hometown of Compton, California, into his music. The challenge for the LIX show is how he will honor the host city while maintaining his artistic integrity. Industry observers suggest that Lamar will aim to infuse his signature storytelling and L.A. flavor while paying respect to the local culture.

Potential ways the New Orleans connection could manifest:

• Local Guest Appearances: A surprise appearance by a New Orleans legend like Lil Wayne (who was an early rumor) or a local Bounce artist could be a massive moment.
• Marching Band Integration: Incorporating a traditional New Orleans brass band or a local historically black college and university (HBCU) marching band into the choreography, a staple of New Orleans culture.
• Visual Storytelling: Utilizing the stage and video screens to show imagery that merges the cultural landscape of Compton with the vibrant, historic architecture of the French Quarter.

7 Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Setlist Predictions

With only a strict 13-to-15-minute window, Kendrick Lamar’s team must condense a genre-defining career into a rapid-fire medley of hits. Based on his catalog, recent releases, and the confirmed presence of SZA, these seven songs are the strongest contenders to make the final cut, blending commercial success with critical acclaim.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

1. "Not Like Us"

This is arguably the most anticipated song of the night. The explosive, viral diss track from his recent feud is a cultural phenomenon that dominated the summer of 2024. While controversial, its massive popularity and high-energy beat make it a perfect, albeit brief, inclusion to kick off the show or serve as a high-impact transition. The crowd reaction alone would be historic.

2. "Humble."

A certified stadium anthem and one of Lamar’s most commercially successful tracks from the DAMN. album. Its instantly recognizable beat and simple, yet powerful, chorus make it a non-negotiable inclusion for a global audience. This track allows for massive, synchronized choreography.

3. "DNA."

Another high-energy banger from DAMN., "DNA." provides a perfect tempo shift for the middle of the set. The song’s intensity and lyrical complexity showcase Lamar’s technical skill, appealing to both casual and hardcore fans.

4. "King Kunta"

Representing the jazz-infused, critically lauded To Pimp a Butterfly, "King Kunta" is a funk-driven track that will inject a necessary groove into the performance. Its infectious rhythm is ideal for a massive, celebratory stage production and could be a nod to the musical roots of New Orleans.

5. "luther" (with SZA)

The confirmed presence of SZA makes their collaboration "luther" from Lamar’s 2024 album GNX a near certainty. This song is a modern hit that showcases the chemistry between the two TDE artists. It will likely serve as SZA's main feature, offering a moment of smooth, contemporary R&B before the energy spikes again.

6. "All The Stars" (with SZA)

While "luther" is a fresh hit, "All The Stars" from the Black Panther soundtrack is a global smash and a proven crowd-pleaser. If SZA is on stage, this track is a strong candidate for an emotional, visually stunning moment that appeals to the widest possible demographic. It provides a necessary contrast to the rap-heavy setlist.

7. "N95" or "Money Trees"

To showcase his storytelling roots, Lamar will likely include a track from his earlier, classic albums. "N95" from Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers offers a high-impact, recent track, while "Money Trees" is a fan-favorite deep cut from good kid, m.A.A.d city that would satisfy the long-time hip-hop purists. The choice between these two will define the overall tone of the show's final moments before the grand finale.

The Legacy of LIX: What This Performance Means

The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show is more than just a musical interlude; it is a statement on the cultural landscape of 2025. By choosing Kendrick Lamar, the NFL and Roc Nation are cementing hip-hop's dominant role in global entertainment. His performance in New Orleans is a chance to bridge regional hip-hop styles, showcase the power of lyrical storytelling on the biggest stage, and deliver a visual spectacle that will be analyzed and debated for years to come. With SZA by his side and a catalog of hits spanning over a decade, the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show is set to be one of the most culturally significant and unforgettable performances of the decade.