The Super Bowl Halftime Show is arguably the most-watched musical event in the world, often drawing more viewers than the game itself. It is a coveted stage where only the biggest names in music—the "singer of the Super Bowl"—are invited to perform, solidifying their legacy in pop culture history. This year, as of December 2025, the buzz is still electric from the last performance, while anticipation builds to a fever pitch for the next musical icon set to take the stage.
The role of the Super Bowl headliner transcends a simple concert; it’s a 13-minute spectacle that defines an era, sparks global conversation, and often dictates the musical trends for the year ahead. From wardrobe reveals to surprise guest appearances, the singers who perform at the Super Bowl are guaranteed to dominate headlines and streaming charts in the days that follow, making it the ultimate career milestone for any artist.
The Confirmed Super Bowl LIX Singer: Kendrick Lamar (2025)
In a major announcement that has music fans buzzing, the National Football League (NFL) and Apple Music have confirmed the headliner for the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show: Kendrick Lamar. The performance is scheduled for February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Lamar's selection is a monumental moment, cementing his status as one of the most important and critically acclaimed artists of his generation. His performance follows a historic tradition of hip-hop and R&B headliners, promising a set that will be both politically charged and musically explosive.
Kendrick Lamar's Predicted Super Bowl Setlist
With a career spanning over a decade and multiple Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar has a deep catalog of hits. The challenge for the Super Bowl LIX performance is condensing his complex, narrative-driven music into a high-energy, 13-minute set. Fans and critics are predicting a mix of his biggest commercial hits and his most recent, culturally relevant tracks.
- "Not Like Us": A near-lock, given its massive cultural impact and chart dominance in 2024.
- "HUMBLE.": His biggest commercial hit, known for its iconic beat and quotable lyrics.
- "DNA.": A fan-favorite track that showcases his lyrical dexterity and high-energy stage presence.
- "All the Stars" (ft. SZA): This track, originally from the Black Panther soundtrack, could serve as a perfect moment for a surprise guest appearance by SZA, who has been heavily rumored.
- "Money Trees" or "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe": Tracks from his early, acclaimed albums that would satisfy long-time fans.
The inclusion of songs like "tv off" and "luther" from his recent work also shows a commitment to keeping the performance current and reflective of his artistic evolution.
The Last Singer of the Super Bowl: Usher (2024)
The most recent Super Bowl Halftime Show, Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, was headlined by R&B legend Usher. His performance on February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, was a high-octane celebration of his 30-year career, delivering a masterclass in showmanship, choreography, and vocal performance.
Usher’s setlist featured a seamless medley of his greatest hits, including "Caught Up," "U Don't Have to Call," and "Burn." The show was critically acclaimed for its smooth transitions and the sheer volume of star power he brought to the stage.
Super Bowl LVIII Guest Performers: A Star-Studded Lineup
Usher’s performance was elevated by a stunning roster of guest artists, a common feature of modern halftime shows that adds layers of excitement and nostalgia. These co-performers are just as much "singers of the Super Bowl" as the headliner themselves:
- Alicia Keys: Performed a spectacular duet of "If I Ain't Got You" and "My Boo" with Usher.
- H.E.R.: Provided a mesmerizing guitar solo during "U Got It Bad."
- Lil Jon and Ludacris: Joined Usher for a high-energy finale of "Turn Down for What" and "Yeah!"
- will.i.am: Appeared for a segment of "OMG."
- Jermaine Dupri: Introduced a segment of the show, highlighting the Atlanta R&B scene.
The collective performance was a viral moment, showcasing the enduring appeal of 2000s R&B and hip-hop. The use of roller skates by Usher during a segment of the show became one of the most discussed elements of the night.
The Pantheon of Iconic Super Bowl Halftime Singers (Topical Authority)
The Super Bowl Halftime Show has evolved from marching bands and local college performances in the 1960s and 70s to the global pop culture phenomenon it is today. The shift began in the early 1990s, transforming the event into an essential showcase for the world's biggest musical acts. Establishing topical authority requires recognizing the legends who paved the way.
The Game Changers: Artists Who Defined the Spectacle
These performers are responsible for the modern format of the Halftime Show, setting records for viewership and production value. Their performances are still considered the benchmark for every subsequent headliner:
- Michael Jackson (1993): Credited with single-handedly changing the Halftime Show from a ratings dip to a must-watch event. His performance of "Heal the World" and "Billie Jean" remains legendary.
- Prince (2007): Widely regarded as the greatest Halftime Show of all time. His electric performance of "Purple Rain" in a pouring rainstorm is an indelible moment in music history.
- Madonna (2012): Her return to the stage was a massive spectacle, featuring guest artists like Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and LMFAO, setting a new viewership record at the time.
- Beyoncé (2013 & 2016): Her 2013 show was a masterclass in female empowerment, and her appearance alongside Coldplay and Bruno Mars in 2016 became one of the most epic collaborations ever.
A Timeline of Recent and Memorable Super Bowl Singers (LSI Keywords)
The list of Super Bowl singers is a who's who of music royalty. Each performance provides a cultural snapshot of the year it took place. Understanding this history is key to appreciating the pressure and prestige of being the current "singer of the Super Bowl."
- Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent (LVI, 2022): A historic hip-hop showcase that celebrated West Coast rap and brought Lamar to the Super Bowl stage for the first time.
- Rihanna (LVII, 2023): Her highly anticipated return to live performance, which also served as a surprise pregnancy announcement.
- Jennifer Lopez and Shakira (LIV, 2020): A powerful celebration of Latin music and female artistry, featuring a high-energy dance spectacle.
- Lady Gaga (LI, 2017): Began her performance by jumping from the roof of the stadium, delivering a memorable and vocally stunning set.
- Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars (L, 2016): An incredible three-way headlining show that was a true musical convergence.
- Katy Perry (XLIX, 2015): Famous for the viral sensation of "Left Shark."
- Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers (XLVIII, 2014): A genre-blending performance that solidified Mars's status as a major live performer.
- The Rolling Stones (XL, 2006): A legendary rock performance that appealed to a massive, multi-generational audience.
- Paul McCartney (XXXIX, 2005): A classic rock icon delivering a powerful solo set.
- U2 (XXXVI, 2002): A poignant and emotional tribute to the victims of 9/11.
The selection process for the Super Bowl Halftime Show is shrouded in secrecy, involving the NFL, Roc Nation (the entertainment company that produces the show), and the sponsor (currently Apple Music). The chosen artist must have a body of work that is globally recognizable, family-friendly (despite some past controversies), and capable of filling a 13-minute slot with non-stop hits. This unique combination ensures that every "singer of the Super Bowl" is not just a musician, but a cultural phenomenon.
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