The LIX Halftime Show Unveiled: Who Performed At The Super Bowl 2025? (Full List & Setlist)
The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show has officially gone down in history, delivering an electric performance that blended West Coast hip-hop royalty with contemporary R&B soul. As of February 9, 2025, the highly anticipated Apple Music Halftime Show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, was headlined by the Compton-born rap icon, Kendrick Lamar, who cemented his status as a generational performer. The show was a masterclass in musical storytelling, featuring a tightly curated setlist that spanned his critically acclaimed career and included one of the most exciting guest appearances in recent memory.
The performance was not just a solo effort; it featured a major star from the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) family, creating a dynamic duo that energized the New Orleans crowd. The entire event was a celebration of modern, conscious, and commercially dominant music, proving that the NFL’s biggest stage continues to push boundaries and honor the diverse soundscape of American music. Here is the complete breakdown of the artists who performed, the songs they played, and the deep-cut connections that made Super Bowl LIX's halftime show a cultural moment.
The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Performers: A Full Roster
The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, held at the iconic Caesars Superdome, was headlined by one of the most decorated artists in hip-hop history. The official lineup confirmed two major acts, with several other high-profile figures making impactful cameo appearances that paid tribute to the city of New Orleans and the artists’ deep musical roots.
Headliner: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
- Born: June 17, 1987 (Age 37)
- Origin: Compton, California
- Genre: Hip-Hop, Conscious Rap, Jazz Rap
- Career Highlights:
- First non-jazz or classical artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music (for the album DAMN.).
- Winner of 22 Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album for To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN., and Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.
- Previously performed at the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show in 2022 alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige.
- Known for seminal albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city and Section.80.
- His recent viral hit, "Not Like Us," produced by DJ Mustard, was a massive cultural moment in 2024.
Special Guest Performer: SZA (Solána Rowe)
- Born: November 8, 1990 (Age 34)
- Origin: St. Louis, Missouri
- Genre: R&B, Neo-Soul, Alternative R&B
- Career Highlights:
- Massive commercial and critical success with her albums Ctrl (2017) and SOS (2022).
- Known for chart-topping singles like "Kill Bill," "Good Days," and "Snooze."
- Winner of Five Grammy Awards, including Best Progressive R&B Album.
- A long-time collaborator and label-mate of Kendrick Lamar on the TDE label.
Surprise Guest Appearances
In a move that delighted fans and leveraged the viral success of their 2024 collaboration, the following artists made surprise appearances during the set:
- Mustard (DJ Mustard): The renowned producer, who produced the viral track "Not Like Us," joined Lamar on stage to hype the crowd, adding an extra layer of West Coast authenticity to the performance.
- Samuel L. Jackson: In a truly unexpected and cinematic moment, actor Samuel L. Jackson appeared in a pre-recorded monologue that transitioned the main game into the halftime show, setting a dramatic tone for Lamar's entrance.
- Serena Williams: The tennis legend was featured in a short, powerful visual segment that aired during the performance, tying into the themes of greatness and cultural impact that Lamar’s music often explores.
The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Setlist: Blending Hip-Hop and Soul
Kendrick Lamar’s performance was a tight, fifteen-minute journey through his discography, structured to maximize impact and energy. The setlist was carefully crafted to feature his biggest hits while making room for the crucial collaboration with SZA.
The show kicked off with a dramatic visual sequence before Lamar emerged, immediately launching into one of his most aggressive and impactful tracks, demonstrating his lyrical prowess. The energy remained high as he transitioned through fan-favorite anthems, leading up to the centerpiece collaboration. The setlist included:
- "HUMBLE." (from DAMN.): A high-energy opening track to immediately capture the stadium's attention.
- "Money Trees" (from good kid, m.A.A.d city): A nod to his early career and a fan-favorite deep cut that showcases his storytelling.
- "King Kunta" (from To Pimp a Butterfly): A funk-infused track that allowed for intricate choreography and a large stage production.
- "All the Stars" (with SZA): The moment SZA appeared, the mood shifted. This Oscar-nominated track from the Black Panther soundtrack was the perfect bridge between Lamar's rap dominance and SZA's soulful R&B, highlighting their seamless chemistry as TDE labelmates.
- "Kill Bill" (SZA Solo Segment): SZA took center stage for a brief but powerful solo segment, performing a verse and chorus of her massive hit, "Kill Bill," to showcase her own star power and appeal to the global R&B audience.
- "Not Like Us" (with Mustard): The highly anticipated closing track. With Mustard on the decks, Lamar delivered the triumphant anthem that took over the summer of 2024, ending the show on a high note of pure, undeniable West Coast energy.
The New Orleans Connection: Honoring the Host City
The choice of Kendrick Lamar and SZA as performers was particularly resonant for Super Bowl LIX, held in New Orleans, a city with a profound musical heritage. While Lamar is known as a West Coast legend, the performance subtly paid homage to the host city's cultural significance.
New Orleans, Louisiana, has a history of hosting iconic Super Bowl Halftime Shows, including Beyoncé's unforgettable 2013 performance with Destiny's Child at the same venue, the Caesars Superdome. The city's deep roots in jazz, funk, and bounce music set a high bar for any musical spectacle.
The production, while focused on Lamar's sound, incorporated elements of a marching band, a classic New Orleans tradition, into the transitions, adding a local flavor to the massive global event. Furthermore, the inclusion of producer Mustard, a figure who has dominated modern hip-hop production, ensured the show felt current and globally relevant, while still being grounded in the genre's history. The performance was a testament to the fact that while the artists may hail from Compton and St. Louis, the energy and spirit of the performance resonated perfectly with the vibrant, musical atmosphere of the Crescent City.
The Impact and Legacy of Super Bowl LIX
The 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show delivered on its promise of a star-studded, high-impact spectacle. Kendrick Lamar's return to the Super Bowl stage, this time as the headliner, confirmed his standing as a cultural and musical titan. His ability to blend intricate lyricism with mainstream appeal is unparalleled, making him a perfect choice for the world's most-watched performance.
The inclusion of SZA was a major win for fans of contemporary R&B, adding a layer of vocal depth and emotional resonance that complemented Lamar's intensity. Their joint performance of "All the Stars" was a standout moment, reminding millions of viewers of the power of collaboration and the cohesive talent that emerged from the TDE collective.
From the subtle New Orleans influences to the powerful presence of figures like Mustard, the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show will be remembered as a technically flawless and artistically profound performance that celebrated the best of modern American music, further solidifying the Super Bowl's role as the premier global music showcase.
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