Kendrick Lamar to headline 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show
A return to the grand stage
Kendrick Lamar is set to electrify audiences once again as he headlines the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. This announcement, made by Roc Nation, Apple Music, and the NFL, has fans buzzing with anticipation. The event is scheduled for February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans and will be broadcast on Fox.
A legacy of unforgettable performances
This will mark Lamar’s second appearance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. His first was a memorable collaboration in 2022 with Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent. That performance set a high bar, but Lamar’s recent musical achievements suggest he’s more than ready to surpass it. Earlier this year, his track “Not Like Us” became one of the year’s biggest hits, following a high-profile musical battle with Drake.
The artist’s vision
Lamar’s statement about his upcoming performance reflects his deep commitment to the genre: “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” he said. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.” His confidence is echoed by Roc Nation founder Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, who praised Lamar as a “once-in-a-generation artist and performer” with an unparalleled ability to influence culture globally.
Creative direction and past accolades
The creative direction for Lamar’s performance will be handled by his company, pgLang, which also managed his acclaimed “Big Steppers” tour. This tour, running from 2022 through early this year, showcased Lamar’s innovative approach to live performances.
Since his major label debut in 2012 with “Good Kid, m.A.A.d City,” Lamar has become a pivotal figure in the music industry. He has won 17 Grammy awards and made history in 2018 by becoming the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize for his album “Damn.” His latest album, “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers,” released in May 2022, continues to receive critical acclaim.
Recent chart-toppers
Lamar’s recent collaborations have also been highly successful. “Like That,” a track with Future and Metro Boomin, spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following this, “Not Like Us” dominated the charts for two weeks, further cementing Lamar’s status as a leading figure in contemporary music.
Production and strategic partnerships
The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show will be produced by DPS, with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers. Hamish Hamilton will direct the live performance, and Roc Nation will act as the strategic entertainment advisor.
Oliver Schusser, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports, and Beats, expressed his excitement: “The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show is a celebration of the music we love and the incredible artists who make it, all on the world’s biggest stage. Apple is thrilled to bring this show, starring the absolutely incomparable Kendrick Lamar, to fans worldwide with Apple Music’s industry-leading Spatial Audio quality along with tons of exclusive videos, interviews, playlists, and so much more across Apple Music.”
Anticipation and expectations
Seth Dudowsky, Head of Music at the NFL, highlighted Lamar’s profound impact on music and culture: “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar. Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop. We’re excited to collaborate with Kendrick, Roc Nation, and Apple Music to deliver another unforgettable Halftime Show.”
A history of record-breaking performances
The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show has a history of record-breaking performances. Earlier this year, Usher’s halftime show became the most-watched of all time and garnered three Emmy nominations. In 2023, Rihanna’s performance, which she delivered while pregnant, received five Emmy nominations and won two. The 2022 show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar won three Emmys, including Outstanding Variety Special (Live).
As we look forward to February 2025, the anticipation for Kendrick Lamar’s performance continues to build. With his track record of groundbreaking music and unforgettable live shows, there’s no doubt that this will be a Halftime Show for the ages.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Kendrick Lamar.