The Ultimate Guide To The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show: Kendrick Lamar, SZA, And Everything You Need To Know

The long wait is officially over. As of late 2024, the National Football League (NFL) and Apple Music confirmed the headlining act for the highly anticipated Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, set to take place on Sunday, February 9, 2025. The global stage will be commanded by one of the most critically acclaimed and influential rappers of his generation: Pulitzer Prize and multiple Grammy Award winner, Kendrick Lamar. This performance marks a monumental moment for hip-hop and a return to the Super Bowl stage for the Compton native, this time as the undisputed sole headliner.

The 2025 Super Bowl LIX event, hosted at the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, promises to be a celebration of contemporary music, culture, and the rich musical heritage of the host city. With a star-studded lineup that extends beyond the main halftime attraction, including a featured guest for the show and a slate of incredible pre-game performers, this year’s Super Bowl is shaping up to be an unforgettable spectacle for millions of viewers worldwide.

The Confirmed Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show and Pre-Game Performers

The 59th annual NFL championship game will feature a lineup packed with generational talent, with a strong focus on artists whose work is both critically lauded and commercially successful. The official announcement in September 2024 confirmed the main acts, with further details emerging about the pre-game ceremonies.

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• Halftime Headliner: Kendrick Lamar
• Featured Halftime Guest: SZA
• National Anthem Performer: Jon Batiste
• "America the Beautiful" Performers: Lauren Daigle and Trombone Shorty
• Event Date: Sunday, February 9, 2025
• Venue: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Sponsor: Apple Music

1. Kendrick Lamar: The Headliner's Second Act on the Super Bowl Stage

Kendrick Lamar is not new to the Super Bowl experience, but his role for Super Bowl LIX will be dramatically different. He previously participated in the star-studded Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show in 2022, which was headlined by Dr. Dre and also featured Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige, along with a surprise appearance by 50 Cent.

This time, the stage is all his. Lamar is celebrated for his complex lyricism, concept albums, and fearless exploration of social and political themes across his discography. His catalog is a treasure trove of hits that span nearly a decade and a half, ensuring a powerful and diverse setlist. Fans are anticipating performances of iconic tracks from his seminal albums, including "Humble" from *DAMN.*, "Alright" from *To Pimp a Butterfly*, and perhaps classics like "Swimming Pools (Drank)" or "Money Trees" from *Good Kid, M.A.A.D City*.

His performance is expected to be a high-energy, visually stunning spectacle that captures the artistic depth that earned him a Pulitzer Prize for Music—a rare distinction for a hip-hop artist. The pressure is immense, but Lamar's history of electrifying live shows suggests he is ready to deliver one of the most memorable halftime performances in NFL history.

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2. The Highly-Anticipated SZA Collaboration

Joining Kendrick Lamar for the Halftime Show is fellow Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) labelmate and Grammy-winning R&B sensation, SZA.

The collaboration between these two artists is a significant draw. They have a long history of working together, dating back to 2014 on SZA's debut album, *Z*, where Lamar was featured on the track "Babylon." Their most commercially successful joint effort, "All The Stars," from the *Black Panther* soundtrack, was a massive global hit and an Academy Award nominee. More recently, they collaborated on the track "Luther" from Lamar's 2024 album, *GNX*.

SZA's inclusion guarantees a shift in musical tone, allowing the performance to incorporate her massive R&B hits like "Kill Bill," "Snooze," and "The Weekend." The chemistry between the two TDE powerhouses is undeniable, and their joint appearance suggests the Halftime Show will feature a blend of hard-hitting rap, soulful R&B, and their classic collaborative tracks.

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The New Orleans Influence: A Celebration of Local Talent

The Super Bowl LIX pre-game ceremonies are set to be a tribute to the musical soul of New Orleans, Louisiana, the host city. This focus on local talent adds a layer of cultural authenticity and topical authority to the entire event, moving beyond the celebrity spectacle to honor the city's unique heritage.

The Local Stars Taking Center Stage

The NFL and Apple Music have ensured that the pre-game show is a showcase of Louisiana's finest, with three New Orleans-area natives performing key ceremonial songs:

• Jon Batiste: The National Anthem
  The Grammy and Oscar-winning artist, composer, and bandleader, Jon Batiste, will perform the National Anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." Batiste, a five-time Grammy winner, is renowned for his jazz, R&B, and gospel fusion, and his performance is expected to be a soulful and powerful rendition of the classic. His roots in the city's rich musical traditions make him the perfect choice to honor the Superdome's location.
• Lauren Daigle and Trombone Shorty: "America the Beautiful"
  Christian music superstar and Louisiana native, Lauren Daigle, will join forces with New Orleans jazz and funk icon Trombone Shorty to perform "America the Beautiful." Daigle, a two-time Grammy winner, has spoken about the "vindication" of performing in her hometown. The pairing of her powerful vocals with Trombone Shorty's signature brass sound is a unique blend of contemporary Christian music and traditional New Orleans jazz, representing the diverse sounds of the region.

Setlist Predictions and Potential Surprise Guests

While the official setlist remains a closely guarded secret, the 13-minute time slot for the Halftime Show will force Kendrick Lamar to focus on his most explosive and recognizable hits. The inclusion of SZA already confirms a dual-artist dynamic, but the nature of a Super Bowl show often includes additional surprise guests.

Kendrick Lamar's Tentpole Tracks

Predicting the setlist involves looking at the songs with the broadest appeal and the most cultural impact, which are essential for a global broadcast.

• Anthems: "Humble," "DNA," "King Kunta," and "Alright" are almost guaranteed due to their widespread recognition and high-energy appeal.
• Collaborative Hits: "All The Stars" with SZA is a near certainty to capitalize on their joint appearance and the song's cinematic legacy.
• Fan Favorites: Tracks like "Money Trees," "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe," and "i" could make the cut, showcasing his range from introspective storytelling to stadium-rocking energy.

Who Else Could Join the Stage?

The Super Bowl LVI show proved that surprise appearances are a core part of the Halftime tradition. Given Kendrick Lamar's extensive network of collaborators, a few high-profile entities could make an appearance:

• J. Cole: A long-standing collaborator and friendly rival, a joint performance of a track like "Under the Sun" or one of their older collaborations would send shockwaves through the hip-hop world.
• Baby Keem: Lamar's cousin and protégé, Baby Keem, is a strong possibility, especially for a performance of their Grammy-winning track "Family Ties."
• Rihanna: Given her association with Jay-Z's Roc Nation (who produces the show) and her own history as a headliner, a brief appearance for a song like "Loyalty" is not out of the question, though less likely.

The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA, is poised to be a cultural flashpoint in 2025. With a blend of hip-hop royalty, R&B excellence, and a deep nod to the incredible musical heritage of New Orleans through local legends like Jon Batiste, Lauren Daigle, and Trombone Shorty, the event promises high-octane entertainment and a powerful artistic statement.