Super Bowl LIX is already setting the stage for an unforgettable night. In September 2024, Kendrick Lamar was announced as the halftime headliner for the February 9 game at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The announcement was followed by a playful teaser trailer, courtesy of official halftime show sponsor Apple Music, which also revealed that Grammy-winning artist SZA would join him for the performance.
In the black-and-white teaser, Lamar was shown pacing across a massive football field while chatting casually on the phone. “This field a lot bigger than what it looks,” he remarked, seemingly taking in the sheer scale of the venue.
The lighthearted moment quickly escalated when SZA, who had been lurking nearby, surprised Lamar by dousing him with a water cooler filled with sparkling blue liquid.
Her mischievous grin added a dose of humor to the scene, leaving fans eager to see the pair’s chemistry play out on one of the world’s biggest stages.
SZA later shared her excitement on Instagram, posting, “Taking the stage with @Kendricklamar!” The announcement marked a significant milestone for Lamar, who will headline the Super Bowl halftime show for the first time in his career.
However, it isn’t his first time gracing the Super Bowl stage — he previously performed as a guest during the star-studded 2022 halftime show featuring Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
“Kendrick deserves it,” one social media user shared. Another wrote, “Back in like 2016 I said Kendrick is the GOAT, I’m happy he has proven me right every step of the way.”
A third typed, “It’s cool. I love Kendrick but never found him to be the most fun live performer. Seems like he can’t rap all his verses with that same passion live.”
A fourth person added, “I mean it’s fine I suppose but I don’t watch football so I probably have no stake /: he has no scandals, generally well-liked, better than TS or something like that lol.”
However, while many fans have expressed excitement over the announcement, not everyone looks forward to the rap icon’s performance.
“As a Gen Z member, I’m not a fan of him. I would appreciate it if it were Ice Cube, Chris Brown, Ludacris, Ne-Yo, Ciara, or Janet Jackson (she deserves a 2nd chance imo),” one person commented.
“Why does he get to be there twice? I pay no attention to that kind of music,” another shared. A third added, “Sick of rap at Super Bowl. It is the lowest denominator of music IMHO.”
A fourth social media user wrote, “Huge disappointment. Not a fan of Kendrick Lamar at all and this will be the first halftime show I won’t care if I miss.” Another typed, “It’ll be the only Super Bowl halftime I have skipped can’t stand his voice.”
