The Confirmed Lineup: Everything We Know About The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show 2025

The Super Bowl Halftime Show is arguably the most-watched musical event in the world, and the 2025 edition—Super Bowl LIX—is already generating massive buzz with the official announcement of its headliner. As of December 2025, the highly anticipated performance will be headlined by one of the most critically acclaimed and influential rappers of the generation, Kendrick Lamar, promising an electrifying and politically charged spectacle. This performance is set to take place on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, airing live on FOX, cementing its status as a must-see event.

The choice of New Orleans, a city steeped in musical history, combined with Lamar's profound artistry, suggests that the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show will be a landmark moment, moving far beyond a typical stadium concert. Fans are not only excited about the headliner but also the deep roster of potential special guests, which is already starting to take shape and includes some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, guaranteeing a performance for the ages.

Kendrick Lamar: The Confirmed Headliner and His Star-Studded Guest List

The announcement that Kendrick Lamar would headline the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show was made in September, ending months of speculation and confirming a major shift toward a contemporary hip-hop focus for the prestigious event. Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize winner and a 17-time Grammy Award recipient, is renowned for his intricate lyricism, powerful storytelling, and theatrical stage presence. His selection signals a commitment to artistic depth and cultural relevance on the world's biggest stage.

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Kendrick Lamar Biography Profile

• Full Name: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
• Born: June 17, 1987
• Age (as of 2025): 37
• Hometown: Compton, California
• Genre: Hip hop, West Coast hip hop, conscious rap
• Years Active: 2003–present
• Labels: Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath, Interscope, PGLang
• Notable Albums: Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012), To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), DAMN. (2017), Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (2022)
• Key Achievements: Pulitzer Prize for Music (2018), 17 Grammy Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, MTV Video Music Awards
• Previous Super Bowl Appearance: Performed as a featured artist during the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show in 2022 alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent.

The Confirmed and Highly Rumored Special Guests

A Super Bowl Halftime Show is rarely a solo act, and given Kendrick Lamar's extensive network of collaborators, the list of potential guest appearances is one of the most exciting aspects of the 2025 show. The initial announcements have already confirmed or heavily rumored several major names, many of whom have deep ties to Lamar's label, TDE, or his production history.

• SZA: The Grammy-winning R&B superstar is the most frequently cited special guest. SZA's massive commercial success, particularly with her album SOS, and her past collaborations with Lamar make her appearance highly probable. Her inclusion would add a major contemporary R&B element to the show.
• Samuel L. Jackson: In a surprising and unique twist, the legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson is rumored to make a special guest appearance. While his role is currently unknown, it could involve a spoken word segment, a narrative interlude, or a cameo related to a specific song, adding a theatrical flair.
• Future and Metro Boomin: The dynamic duo, known for their collaborative album We Don't Trust You, are also strong contenders. Metro Boomin is a prolific producer who has worked with Lamar, and Future's status as a trap music icon would bring a different energy to the stage.
• Mustard: The influential West Coast producer is another name mentioned in early reports. His inclusion would further emphasize the West Coast hip-hop roots and sound that Lamar often incorporates.

The potential for other surprise guests, such as J. Cole, Travis Scott, or even a reunion with his 2022 collaborators, remains a hot topic, fueling fan speculation across social media platforms.

The Significance of New Orleans and Super Bowl LIX

The location of Super Bowl LIX—the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana—is as important as the headliner itself. The city of New Orleans is a foundational pillar of American music, known globally as the birthplace of jazz and a major hub for blues, R&B, and bounce music. The Superdome has hosted the Super Bowl a total of 11 times, making it a historic venue for the event.

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A Musical Tribute to the Crescent City

While Kendrick Lamar is a West Coast artist, the New Orleans setting offers a unique opportunity for cultural integration. The Halftime Show is expected to honor the city's rich musical heritage, and fans are hoping for appearances from New Orleans legends. The performance could feature elements of:

• Bounce Music: Incorporating local artists like Big Freedia or Juvenile to showcase the city's unique, high-energy hip-hop style.
• Jazz and Brass Bands: Using local brass bands for instrumental transitions or backing arrangements, a signature element of New Orleans street culture.
• Local Talent: Featuring artists with ties to the region, even if they are not the primary guests, to give the performance a distinctly local flavor.

This geographical context adds a layer of topical authority to the event, moving beyond just a pop concert and transforming it into a cultural celebration of one of America's most important musical cities. The combination of Lamar's socially conscious lyrics with the celebratory, resilient spirit of New Orleans promises a powerful narrative.

The Halftime Show's Evolution: From Pop Spectacle to Cultural Statement

The Super Bowl Halftime Show has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, moving from a rotation of classic rock acts and pop divas to a platform for contemporary cultural statements. The shift to Apple Music as the primary sponsor, replacing Pepsi, has coincided with an increased focus on artists who are currently dominating the charts and shaping cultural discourse.

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Topical Authority: The Hip-Hop Dominance Era

Kendrick Lamar's headlining slot solidifies the NFL's commitment to showcasing hip-hop's dominance in global music. Following the iconic 2022 performance featuring Dr. Dre and the 2024 performance by Usher, Lamar's show continues a trend that recognizes the genre's massive commercial and artistic power. His performance will not only be a showcase of his greatest hits—such as "HUMBLE.," "DNA.," and "Alright"—but also a chance to address complex themes of race, politics, and self-reflection, which are hallmarks of his work.

The intense pressure on the headliner is immense. The show must balance a massive global audience's expectations, the limitations of a short 13-minute set, and the technical challenge of setting up and striking a massive stage in under eight minutes. Lamar's known perfectionism and his experience on the 2022 stage suggest he is well-equipped to handle this monumental task, delivering a performance that is both technically flawless and deeply impactful. The anticipation for his song choices, stage design, and political messaging is at an all-time high, making the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show one of the most talked-about events of 2025.