This year, the headliner is none other than Kendrick Lamar, a rapper widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time.
Known for his technical brilliance and thought-provoking lyrics, Lamar is no stranger to the Super Bowl stage, having previously appeared as a guest during the iconic 2022 halftime show featuring Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
But this time, it’s Lamar’s moment to shine, and fans are buzzing. The announcement came in September 2024 alongside a teaser trailer from Apple Music, the official halftime show sponsor.
The black-and-white clip shows Lamar pacing a massive football field, casually remarking, “This field a lot bigger than what it looks.” The teaser also revealed a surprise: Grammy-winning artist SZA will join Lamar for what promises to be a show-stopping performance.
Mixed reactions from fans
While many are thrilled about Lamar taking center stage, reactions online have been a mixed bag.
“Kendrick deserves it,” one fan wrote, while another added, “Back in like 2016 I said Kendrick is the GOAT, I’m happy he has proven me right every step of the way.”
Others, however, weren’t as enthusiastic.
“It’s fine, I suppose, but I don’t watch football, so I probably have no stake. He’s no scandal, generally well-liked, better than TS or something like that lol,” one person shared.
Not everyone is a fan of his live performances either. “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,” another commented.
For some, Lamar’s presence on the halftime stage is a letdown.
“Why does he get to be there twice? I pay no attention to that kind of music,” one critic shared. Another declared, “Sick of rap at Super Bowl. It is the lowest denominator of music IMHO.”
One particularly harsh take read, “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.”
Louisiana’s musical roots shine
For those who may not be Kendrick Lamar fans, the NFL has added a lineup of Louisiana-born artists to honor the rich musical heritage of the Super Bowl’s host state.
