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.”

A Star-Studded Lineup and Lil Wayne’s Emotional Reaction

Lamar and SZA are not the only performers set to take the stage during Super Bowl LIX. The NFL has also enlisted four Louisiana-born artists to contribute to the night’s entertainment. Jon Batiste, a jazz singer and multi-instrumentalist, is set to perform the national anthem.

Jon Batiste performing during the grand opening of Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club at Baha Mar on January 17, 2025, in Nassau, Bahamas. | Source: Getty Images

Sharing his enthusiasm about the opportunity, Batiste stated, “I’m excited to figure out an arrangement that lasts the test of time, and I look forward to sharing it.”

Meanwhile, Christian singer Lauren Daigle and jazz musician Trombone Shorty will team up to deliver a rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Additionally, R&B legend Ledisi is scheduled to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” rounding out a lineup that celebrates Louisiana’s rich musical heritage.

 

However, the announcement of Lamar as the halftime headliner sparked disappointment from one of Louisiana’s most prominent rappers. Lil Wayne, widely regarded as a favorite to headline the 2025 Super Bowl, shared his thoughts in an emotional Instagram video.

“First of all, I wanna say forgive me for the delay,” he began, visibly struggling to compose himself. “I had to get strength enough to do this without breaking. I’mma say thank you to every voice, every opinion, all the care, all the love, and the support out there.”

Wayne candidly expressed his feelings on learning of Lamar’s selection for the coveted slot. “I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown and for automatically mentally putting myself in that position like somebody told me that was my position,” he explained.

Reflecting on the magnitude of the event, the rapper added, “But I thought there was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, so it hurt.”

Kendrick Lamar, who became aware of Wayne’s sentiments, seemingly addressed them in his own way — through his music. On November 22, the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper surprise-released his sixth album, “GNX.” In the opening track, “Wacced Out Murals,” Lamar acknowledged Wayne’s disappointment.

 

“Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down / Whatever though, call me crazy, everybody questionable,” he rapped in the second verse, offering a rare glimpse into his perspective on the situation.

For those eager to witness the action on February 9, Super Bowl LIX can be live-streamed through a variety of platforms, including the Fox Sports app for iOS and Android, Tubi, FoxSports.com, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV.

With an impressive lineup of performers and the drama surrounding the halftime show already making headlines, this year’s Super Bowl promises to deliver both on and off the field.