The Official 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show Guide: Who's Performing, Guest Predictions, And Setlist Leaks

As of December 15, 2025, the mystery is officially solved. The National Football League (NFL) and Apple Music have confirmed the artist set to headline the highly-anticipated Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show: Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper and hip-hop icon, Kendrick Lamar. This announcement has generated massive buzz, promising a performance that will not only deliver a high-energy setlist of chart-topping hits but also carry the weight of a powerful cultural statement from one of music's most influential voices. The event is set for Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Anticipation for the 2025 Halftime Show is at an all-time high, especially given the confirmed location in the culturally rich city of New Orleans, which is expected to influence the entire performance lineup. With a confirmed headliner and a full roster of pregame talent, fans are now focused on predicting the surprise guest appearances and the specific song choices that will define the show's 13-minute run time. This deep dive covers every confirmed performer, the strongest rumors, and the most likely setlist predictions for one of the biggest nights in American television.

The Confirmed Headliner: Kendrick Lamar's Biography and Cultural Impact

The selection of Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, known simply as Kendrick Lamar (often referred to as K-Dot), is a historic moment, marking his second appearance on the Super Bowl stage after his acclaimed guest spot during the 2022 show.

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• Full Name: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
• Born: June 17, 1987 (Age 38 as of Super Bowl LIX)
• Hometown: Compton, California
• Genre: Hip hop, Conscious Rap, Jazz Rap, West Coast Hip Hop
• Career Highlights: Lamar is widely regarded as one of the most significant and influential artists of his generation.
• Major Awards: He is the first non-jazz or classical artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music (for his album DAMN. in 2018). He has also won 17 Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album multiple times.
• Previous Super Bowl Appearance: Guest performer at the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show in 2022, alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent.
• Significance of 2025 Show: His performance is expected to be a platform for social commentary, addressing themes of race, identity, and social justice, which has already sparked discussion and controversy.

Lamar’s music is known for its intricate storytelling, complex themes, and deep cultural critique. His headlining spot is viewed as a powerful statement, suggesting the NFL and Apple Music are embracing an artist who uses his platform for more than just entertainment, potentially breaking the traditional formula of the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

The Full Roster: Halftime and Pregame Performers for Super Bowl LIX

While Kendrick Lamar is the main event, the entire Super Bowl LIX experience will feature a star-studded lineup that pays homage to the host city's rich musical heritage. The pregame performances are just as significant, setting the stage for the championship game at the Caesars Superdome.

The confirmed performers for the Super Bowl LIX pregame and halftime events include:

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• Kendrick Lamar: Halftime Show Headliner (Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show)
• Jon Batiste: National Anthem performer. Batiste is a New Orleans native, a Grammy and Academy Award winner, and his performance is highly anticipated.
• Ledisi: Will perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Ledisi is an acclaimed R&B and jazz singer who brings a powerful voice to the traditional performance.
• Trombone Shorty & Lauren Daigle: Will perform "America the Beautiful." The pairing of New Orleans jazz/funk artist Trombone Shorty with contemporary Christian singer Lauren Daigle adds a unique blend of local and mainstream talent.
• SZA: While initially rumored as a co-headliner, SZA is confirmed to be performing at the Super Bowl LIX event, with many speculating she will join Lamar during the Halftime Show.

The inclusion of New Orleans legends like Jon Batiste and Trombone Shorty underscores the NFL's commitment to integrating local culture into the Super Bowl festivities, ensuring that the musical performances reflect the unique spirit of the city.

The Ultimate Setlist Prediction: Which Hits Will Kendrick Play?

Kendrick Lamar has a deep catalog of critically acclaimed and commercially successful tracks, but the 13-minute Halftime Show format demands a tight, high-impact selection. Setlist predictions are already dominating social media and even betting markets, with one track standing out above all others.

The Most Likely Setlist Prophecies

The consensus among experts and fans suggests a mix of his biggest hits from the albums good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, and DAMN., combined with his most recent, culturally relevant track.

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• "Not Like Us" (The Closer): This track is the overwhelming favorite to be the final song of the Halftime Show. Having recently won Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the 2025 Grammys, its cultural moment and massive popularity make it an almost guaranteed inclusion.
• "HUMBLE." (The Opener): A strong contender for the opening song due to its recognizable beat, high energy, and immediate audience engagement.
• "DNA.": A fan-favorite track known for its aggressive tempo and dynamic shifts, perfect for a high-octane live performance.
• "Alright": Known for its powerful message and anthemic quality, this track from To Pimp a Butterfly is a staple of his live shows and aligns with the expected social commentary.
• "King Kunta": A funky, energetic track that would showcase Lamar's stage presence and the live band.
• "Swimming Pools (Drank)": An early career hit that remains highly recognizable and provides a moment of introspection in the set.

Lamar is known for seamlessly transitioning between songs, and he will likely perform snippets of up to 8-10 tracks, ensuring a comprehensive journey through his discography in the limited time frame.

The Guest List Buzz: 5 Major Artists Expected to Join K-Dot

The Super Bowl Halftime Show tradition is built on surprise guest appearances, and Kendrick Lamar’s set is expected to be no different. Given his history of collaborations and his roots in the West Coast hip-hop scene, several major names are heavily rumored to join him on the Caesars Superdome stage.

Top 5 Potential Halftime Show Guests:

1. SZA: As a TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment) labelmate and a confirmed Super Bowl LIX performer, SZA is the most likely guest. Their collaboration on "All the Stars" or a segment of her own hits would be a massive moment.
2. Black Hippy: A reunion of the legendary hip-hop supergroup, which includes Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Jay Rock, is a dream for many fans. This would be a nod to his origins, similar to Beyoncé bringing out Destiny's Child.
3. Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg: Since Lamar was a guest at their 2022 Halftime Show, a reciprocal appearance from the West Coast legends is a strong possibility, especially given their shared history and influence.
4. Tyler the Creator: A close contemporary and fellow Grammy winner, Tyler the Creator is a dark horse prediction who would add a unique, theatrical element to the performance.
5. Mustard (DJ/Producer): Bringing out a key producer like Mustard or Sounwave could be a way to anchor the performance in the sound of Los Angeles, even while performing in New Orleans.

The potential for a "Black Hippy" reunion is a major talking point, as it would mark a significant cultural moment for the group and hip-hop history. Fans are scrutinizing every social media post for hints about which artists will ultimately share the stage with K-Dot.

More Than Music: The Social Significance of Lamar's Performance

Kendrick Lamar’s artistry is deeply rooted in social consciousness, and his selection as the headliner signals a shift toward a more meaningful and potentially controversial Halftime Show. His performance is not expected to be just a medley of hits; it will be a piece of performance art with a message.

Analysts suggest the show will deliver a message of critique on race, identity, and the status quo, offering a powerful force for social change. Even before the game, there was discussion about the symbolism of the stage design, with some speculating about subtle references to his past works and political commentary. Lamar’s use of his platform to address taboo topics and his unflinching willingness to challenge societal norms are what make his performance one of the most anticipated in Super Bowl history.

The 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, therefore, is set to be a cultural event that transcends the football game itself. With Kendrick Lamar at the helm, alongside the New Orleans musical royalty of Jon Batiste and Trombone Shorty, Super Bowl LIX promises a performance that will be remembered for its artistic merit and its powerful, timely message.