The 2025 Super Bowl LIX is shaping up to be a spectacle, with an exciting lineup of performers ready to set the stage on fire. Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar will headline the halftime show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. In a thrilling announcement, Apple Music revealed that SZA, a frequent collaborator of Lamar, will be joining him for the highly anticipated performance.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA Take Center Stage
This marks Kendrick Lamar’s first time as a Super Bowl halftime headliner, though he previously performed alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, and Eminem during the 2022 Super Bowl. His 2024 was a defining year, as he dominated the rap scene with a high-profile battle against Drake, released his critically acclaimed album “GNX”, and landed multiple Grammy nominations. Reflecting on the impact of rap music, Lamar stated:
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
SZA, who had a stellar 2024, will add her signature soulful touch to the halftime performance. With her Grammy-winning album “SOS”, a hit deluxe edition titled “Lana”, and an acting debut in the Issa Rae and Keke Palmer-led film “One of Them Days”, she has cemented her place as one of the most influential artists of her generation. Fans are already buzzing with excitement to see what she and Lamar will bring to the Super Bowl stage.
A Star-Studded Pregame Lineup
In addition to the halftime performance, the pregame show will feature several Louisiana-born artists, paying tribute to the rich musical heritage of New Orleans:
• Jon Batiste, the celebrated jazz musician and multi-instrumentalist, will perform the national anthem. Raised in New Orleans, Batiste comes from a legendary musical family and recently embarked on his “Uneasy Tour”in 2024.
• Ledisi, the Grammy-winning R&B singer, will deliver a powerful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”She has released 11 albums, toured worldwide, and starred in films celebrating gospel legend Mahalia Jackson.
• Lauren Daigle, a Christian music star, will sing “America the Beautiful,”accompanied by the world-renowned trombonist Trombone Shorty, another New Orleans native.
With these extraordinary artists taking the stage, Super Bowl LIX promises an unforgettable nightthat blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and gospel, showcasing the diverse musical roots of New Orleans.
More Surprises in Store?
While the lineup is already stacked, surprise guest appearances are almost a guarantee. Given Lamar and SZA’s history of collaborations, fans are speculating that other big names from their recent projects might make an appearance.
With football, music, and entertainment colliding, Super Bowl LIX is set to be one of the most memorable Super Bowl events in recent history.
