Kendrick Lamar is set to take the spotlight at the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, joined by R&B superstar SZA. The performance will occur on February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, promising a memorable fusion of Lamar's groundbreaking rap and SZA's soulful R&B.
Apple Music confirmed the news with a teaser video featuring a playful moment between the two artists. The clip hints at the high-energy chemistry the duo plans to bring to the show, with Lamar teasing a surprise guest performer.
This marks a significant career milestone for Lamar, who previously appeared as a guest during the 2022 halftime show. His debut as the main act showcases his genre-defining artistry and socially charged lyrics. Lamar stated, "Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I'll be there to remind the world why." This confidence is well-deserved, especially after the surprise release of his critically acclaimed album GNX in November 2024, which featured the No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 single "Not Like Us."
Adding SZA to the lineup amplifies the excitement, as the duo has a history of acclaimed collaborations, including the Grammy-nominated "All the Stars." SZA's ethereal vocals and confessional songwriting are expected to complement Lamar's dynamic performance. Their joint appearance serves as a thrilling prelude to the North American leg of their Grand National Tour starting this April.
The halftime show, produced by Roc Nation and Jesse Collins with creative direction by pgLang, promises to deliver a visually and sonically stunning experience. While the setlist remains a mystery, fans speculate about potential surprises from their extensive catalogs.
As tradition dictates, Lamar and SZA will not receive a paycheck for their performance, as the NFL covers production costs. Last year's headliner, Usher, saw a 550% spike in Spotify streams following his performance, which drew 129.3 million viewers, the most-watched halftime show in history.
Super Bowl LIX kicks off at 6:30 p.m. EST on Fox, with the halftime show beginning between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The excitement is palpable as fans anticipate a night to remember on February 9.