Kendrick Lamar will headline the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show on Sunday, February 9, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Lamar, who previously shared the stage during the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022, will be the first solo rap artist to headline the event. SZA, his frequent collaborator, has been confirmed as a guest performer. Together, they are expected to perform hits like “All the Stars” and other notable tracks.
In a statement, Lamar said, “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
This marks a significant moment for both artists, with Lamar set to include tracks from his latest album, “GNX,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, alongside hits like “Humble” and “Not Like Us.” The latter, a chart-topping diss track, could make its second live appearance after its Juneteenth debut on Amazon Prime.
National anthem by Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste, the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist, will perform the national anthem. Known for his tenure as the musical director for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and his Academy Award-winning work on Pixar’s Soul, Batiste brings his acclaimed artistry to the event. His Grammy-winning album “We Are” further cements his legacy as one of music’s most versatile performers.
Lauren Daigle and Trombone Shorty for “America the Beautiful”
Lauren Daigle and Trombone Shorty will collaborate to perform “America the Beautiful.” Daigle, a contemporary Christian music icon with multiple Grammy wins, is known for her chart-topping albums. Trombone Shorty, a New Orleans native and Grammy-winning musician, adds a local touch to the performance. His first Grammy came in 2022 for contributions to Jon Batiste’s “We Are.”
Ledisi to perform the Black national anthem
Ledisi will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black national anthem. Ledisi, a Grammy-winning R&B artist, has portrayed Mahalia Jackson in films like “Selma” and “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story.” Her 2021 Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance highlights her vocal prowess.
ASL performances at the Super Bowl—because inclusivity shouldn’t be optional
Super Bowl 2025 will feature American Sign Language (ASL) interpretations for key performances:
- Stephanie Nogueras will sign the national anthem.
- Matt Maxey will bring Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show to life in ASL.
- Otis Jones IV will interpret “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Incorporating ASL into these performances isn’t just thoughtful—it’s necessary. This ensures everyone can experience the cultural significance of these moments.
The Super Bowl halftime show is no longer just for rock legends
Let’s call it what it is—this year feels different. For decades, Super Bowl halftime shows catered to rock bands and pop stars. Sure, they brought in some hip-hop legends recently (shoutout to Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige in 2022), but Lamar being the solo headliner? That’s a shift.
It’s a nod to rap’s undeniable influence, not just in music but in culture. Lamar’s presence shows that this stage isn’t reserved for safe choices anymore. It’s for artists who move the needle.
And honestly, it’s about time.
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