Kendrick Lamar, widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of his generation, is set to headline the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. This historic performance will mark Lamar as the first solo rapper to headline the event, a significant moment in hip-hop history following past collaborative showcases like the 2022 Halftime Show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent.
The Announcement and Anticipation
In September 2024, Kendrick Lamar and the NFL made the announcement via a dramatic YouTube video. Standing on a football field in front of an American flag, Lamar declared, “There’s only one opportunity to win a championship. No round twos.” The teaser ignited excitement among fans, with Lamar promising to showcase why rap remains a globally impactful genre.
Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation has co-produced Super Bowl Halftime Shows since 2019, called Lamar “a once-in-a-generation artist” whose ability to influence culture is unparalleled. With pgLang, the creative company co-founded by Lamar and longtime collaborator Dave Free, overseeing the artistic direction, fans can expect a visually stunning and conceptually rich performance.
Songs We Might Hear
Although the exact setlist remains under wraps, speculation abounds. Lamar is expected to deliver hits spanning his illustrious career, including tracks from good kid, m.A.A.d city (Swimming Pools, Money Trees), To Pimp a Butterfly (Alright, King Kunta), DAMN. (HUMBLE., DNA.), and his Pulitzer-winning Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.
Recent tracks like Not Like Us and Like That, which have fueled his rivalry with Drake, could also make an appearance. Fans are eager to see if Lamar might address his lyrical feud with Drake in a live setting, adding a layer of intrigue to his performance.
Possible Guest Appearances
Halftime shows often feature surprise collaborations, and Lamar’s extensive list of collaborators provides endless possibilities. Taylor Swift could join him for their Bad Blood remix, or SZA might make an appearance for their hit All the Stars. Other potential guests include Baby Keem (family ties), and if rumoursare held, perhaps even long-time influences like Dr. Dre or new-generation stars like Doja Cat.
Why Fans Should Be Excited
Kendrick Lamar’s live performances are renowned for their intensity, artistic depth, and theatrical flair. From intricate choreography to thought-provoking visuals, Lamar uses the stage to amplify his music’s narrative power. Given the resources and scope of the Super Bowl stage, fans can expect his boldest performance yet.
Beyond entertainment, Lamar’s Halftime Show signifies a cultural moment. As the first solo rapper headliner, he carries the weight of representing hip-hop at the pinnacle of global sports entertainment. His statement, “They got the right one,” underscores his confidence in delivering a performance that reaffirms rap’s cultural dominance.
Can I Bet on the Super Bowl Halftime Performance?
The Super Bowl halftime show isn’t just a spectacle for music fans, it’s also a growing market for sports bettors, especially as specialty markets and novelty prop bets become increasingly popular.
In most parts of the United States, regulated sportsbooks do not offer odds on the halftime performance due to its entertainment-based nature and the risk of leaked information influencing bets. However, bettors in other regions, such as Canada (including Ontario), can legally place bets on halftime show props via certain sportsbooks and new betting sites. These wagers are typically offered as part of a broader Super Bowl betting market.
Types of Bets You Can Make
Betting on the halftime show includes a variety of quirky and imaginative props, such as:
- First Song Performed – Wager on which track the headliner will kick off their set with. For Kendrick Lamar, popular options might include HUMBLE., DNA., or Alright.
- Last Song Performed – Predict the song that will close out the performance. Fans may expect an energetic anthem like HUMBLE. or a reflective closer such as Sing About Me.
- Guest Appearances – Guess which artists might join Kendrick on stage. Collaborators like SZA or Baby Keem are among the potential names.
- Total Number of Songs – Place a wager on whether the Kendrick, will perform more or fewer than a certain number of songs, generally ranging from 8-14.
- Outfit Colours – Bet on what the artist will wear and/or how many times they will change their outfit, with choices often influenced by the Super Bowl teams’ colours.
- Will There Be a Wardrobe Malfunction? – This is one of the riskier yet amusing props, stemming from infamous moments like Janet Jackson’s 2004 performance.
The halftime show often generates as much buzz as the game itself, and betting adds an interactive layer to the entertainment. As we edge closer to Super Bowl 59, sportsbooks will release more specific halftime betting odds, providing plenty of options to enhance your viewing experience.
Conclusion: The Broader Impact
Lamar’s show will continue the NFL’s trend of incorporating diverse artists to appeal to younger, multicultural audiences. It also aligns with Roc Nation’s efforts to highlight the transformative power of music on the world stage. For Lamar, the performance isn’t just about entertainment, it’s a chance to cement his legacy as an artist who defined an era.
With the right around two months to go, the buzz surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show is reaching a fever pitch. Fans of Lamar, hip-hop, and music in general are in for a treat as one of the greatest storytellers of our time takes center stage.
Mark your calendar: February 9, 2025, promises to be unforgettable.