Kendrick Lamar Confirmed: Everything We Know About The 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, Guest Predictions, And New Orleans Vibe

The wait is finally over: The headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show has been officially confirmed, and it is none other than Compton-born rap titan, Kendrick Lamar. This massive announcement, which became public knowledge in September, immediately ended months of intense speculation and betting odds that included everyone from Taylor Swift to Lil Wayne. As of today, December 12, 2025, excitement is building for what promises to be a legendary performance at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, marking Lamar's second appearance on the NFL's biggest stage.

The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show is set for Sunday, February 9, 2025, and all eyes are now on the setlist and, more importantly, the surprise guests that the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist will bring out. Given the show’s location in the birthplace of jazz and a hub for hip-hop culture, plus Lamar’s recent high-profile collaborations, the potential for a truly iconic, culture-defining moment is incredibly high. We dive deep into the confirmed details, the most likely collaborators, and how the New Orleans setting could influence the performance.

The Confirmed Headliner: Kendrick Lamar's Return to the Super Bowl Stage

The news that Kendrick Lamar will headline the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show has been met with widespread enthusiasm from the music world. This will be his second time performing during the coveted 12-minute slot, following his critically acclaimed role in the 2022 Super Bowl LVI show alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent.

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Lamar is widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers of his generation, known for his lyrical complexity, thematic depth, and groundbreaking albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, and DAMN. His selection solidifies the NFL and Roc Nation’s continued commitment to featuring hip-hop and R&B heavyweights on the platform. The confirmation came as Lamar was riding the high of a record-breaking year, which included major Grammy wins and a high-profile, culture-dominating rap feud, making his timing perfect for a career-defining solo performance.

A Performer Profile: The Significance of K-Dot

Kendrick Lamar, often referred to as K-Dot, brings a unique blend of critical acclaim and commercial success to the Super Bowl stage. His accolades are unmatched in modern hip-hop:

• He is the first, and so far only, non-jazz or classical artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music (for the album DAMN. in 2018).
• He has won 17 Grammy Awards, including multiple wins for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance.
• His discography is consistently ranked among the greatest of the 21st century, giving him a deep catalog of hits for a Halftime Show setlist, from "Humble" and "Money Trees" to "Alright" and "DNA."
• His involvement is part of a multi-year partnership between the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation, which aims to elevate the cultural impact of the Halftime Show.

The Halftime Show in New Orleans will serve as a massive global platform for Lamar to showcase his solo artistry, something he was unable to do as a co-performer in 2022. Fans are eager to see how his politically charged and theatrically inventive performance style translates to the massive Superdome stage.

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New Orleans Vibe: Who Are The Most Likely Guest Stars?

The Super Bowl LIX is taking place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This location is a critical factor, as Halftime Show performers often pay homage to the host city. For a hip-hop artist like Kendrick Lamar, this opens the door for appearances by New Orleans legends, alongside his frequent collaborators. The speculation around guest performers is always intense, but a few names stand out as the most probable based on recent collaborations and geographic relevance.

Top 5 Most Likely Surprise Guests

The 12-minute Halftime Show is notoriously short, meaning every guest appearance is a calculated, high-impact moment. These five artists are at the top of the prediction lists:

1. SZA (Most Likely):

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SZA is arguably the most anticipated guest. She and Kendrick Lamar collaborated on the massive, Grammy-nominated hit "All the Stars" from the Black Panther soundtrack. A performance of this track would be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a major cultural moment, especially given SZA’s current status as a global superstar.

2. Lil Wayne (The New Orleans Nod):

As a New Orleans native and one of the most influential rappers ever, Lil Wayne’s appearance would be the perfect tribute to the host city. While Lamar and Wayne don't have a massive hit together, the cultural significance of Wayne joining the performance in his hometown would be immense, potentially performing a quick medley of his own hits or a collaborative track like "100" with The Game, featuring Lamar.

3. Future & Metro Boomin:

Lamar recently collaborated with the duo on the explosive track "Like That," which was central to a high-profile rap feud that dominated the music conversation earlier this year. Bringing out Future and Metro Boomin for a quick, energetic performance of this song would be a fresh, current, and highly-discussed moment that acknowledges the current state of hip-hop.

4. Dr. Dre:

A perennial Super Bowl favorite and Kendrick Lamar’s long-time mentor, Dr. Dre’s presence is always a possibility. He was the architect of the 2022 show, and a quick appearance to perform a song like "The Recipe" or simply to introduce Lamar would serve as a powerful passing of the torch and a nod to the West Coast hip-hop dynasty.

5. Baby Keem:

As Kendrick Lamar’s cousin and frequent collaborator, Baby Keem has featured on tracks like "Family Ties," which won a Grammy. Including him would highlight Lamar's role as a mentor and showcase the next generation of his creative circle. This would be a deeper cut but highly appreciated by dedicated fans.

The Biggest Snubs and Halftime Show Predictions That Fell Short

Before the official announcement, the rumor mill was churning with several high-profile names. The Halftime Show is one of the most coveted performance slots in music, and the speculation always targets the biggest names in the industry. The following artists were among the most discussed predictions that ultimately did not pan out for Super Bowl LIX.

The Taylor Swift Rumor Mill

For months, the biggest rumor centered on Taylor Swift. The speculation was fueled by her record-breaking Eras Tour, her immense global popularity, and her high-profile relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The narrative was simple: Swift was the only artist big enough to follow Usher, and her presence would break all viewing records. However, industry insiders noted that her ongoing commitments and the logistical scale of her tour made a Halftime Show performance unlikely for 2025. Her name remains the top prediction for a future Super Bowl, perhaps as early as 2026.

Other Major Artists in the Betting Odds

The betting odds and fan predictions also heavily featured several other global superstars, reflecting the desire for a diverse range of genres:

• Lil Wayne (as a Headliner): Given the New Orleans location, many believed Lil Wayne was a strong candidate to headline, potentially with an all-star cast of Southern rap legends.
• Rihanna: Following her iconic 2023 performance, some speculated she might return, perhaps with a new album, though this was always a long shot.
• Dua Lipa: A popular prediction for a pop headliner, Dua Lipa’s high-energy, dance-pop catalog made her a favorite among those hoping for an upbeat, international pop show.
• Foo Fighters or Pearl Jam: Following the trend of hip-hop and pop, some fans and analysts predicted a return to rock, with major acts like Foo Fighters or Pearl Jam being named as potential candidates to shake up the genre rotation.

Kendrick Lamar’s selection, however, provides a powerful continuation of the hip-hop legacy established by Dr. Dre and carried forward by Usher. His performance on February 9, 2025, is set to be a definitive moment in his career and a spectacular event in Halftime Show history, capitalizing on the unique musical energy of New Orleans.