The Super Bowl halftime show is an event within itself bringing together millions of people to watch a single performance. Here are 6 main takeaways for the show:
- This years show at the 2025 Super Bowl will feature Kendrick Lamar as the headliner along with a few other notable stars.
- SZA a Grammy winning R&B star will perform alongside Lamar after a promotional clip teased their combined performance.
- Four different Louisiana natives will be featured in pre game performances including Jon Batiste, Lauren Daigle, Ledisi and Trombone Shorty.
- The halftime show's appeal is driven by the scale of audience exposure and potential future commercial deals for the performers involved.
- The payout for these performers may be low but it is the attention it generates that is an integral piece of what drives their performance.
- Past performances, from both classic icons to more current pop and hip hop stars, have shaped what it is today and continues to have an influence.
Kendrick Lamar Headlines Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show
The Super Bowl 2025 halftime show will be headlined by the Grammy-winning artist Kendrick Lamar and is slated to take place on Sunday Feb 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. This was greatly anticipated since the reveal and this shows a full spectrum of creative ideas that may develop during the big performance. This event is not just a celebration of the Super Bowl, but a celebration of hip-hop.
Collaboration with SZA
In a trailer for the halftime show the performance will also feature SZA , also a Grammy-winning music ian and artist. Together they've partnered on songs like "All the Stars" and recently on "Luther" which highlights not only her own skills but that their energy together is something fans will enjoy to see. Both Lamar and SZA have previously won a Grammy for these collaborative efforts and will kick off the show. Their unique dynamic adds anticipation and excitement.
Additional Pre-Game Performances
In addition to Lamar and SZA's performance, Super Bowl LIX also features notable artists and local musicians . Many performers were chosen for their Louisiana roots. These additions provide recognition from all areas while maintaining tradition within new innovative changes.
Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste, also a New Orleans native will be performing the national anthem. He is known for unique abilities with vocals while adding piano, saxophone, and other instruments in his style as well. This selection will add a very specific tone as he will blend genres of different forms. He has previously worked with Trombone Shorty when receiving his Grammy.
Lauren Daigle and Trombone Shorty
Trombone Shorty a well known New Orleans jazz musician will partner with Louisiana's very own Christian singer, Lauren Daigle to perform "America the Beautiful". This unique paring brings the blend of various genres from different backgrounds for one show. The contrast between the instruments and tone gives added flavor to the broadcast.
Ledisi
R&B singer Ledisi also of New Orleans is set to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, and she has had multiple appearances playing Mahalia Jackson in film. She brings a vast repertoire to a significant historical song giving her the experience to connect to a wide variety of viewers during this occasion. This has an importance on history and the culture that the event will embrace fully.
Visuals and Production
The show’s telecast is set to have some dynamic pieces from design choices to who all plays a major role in the creative process. Lamar and pgLang are taking creative control over this important night. Production will be handled by Jesse Collins and Roc Nation while director Hamish Hamilton was announced as director. The collective collaboration makes for high expectations in visual output.
American Sign Language Performers
This show will include interpretations using ASL or American Sign Language by Stephanie Nogueras, Matt Maxey and Otis Jones IV, which adds accessibility for many while showcasing the talent and language to a wider group.This decision is more inclusive as sign language plays a great part in being open to new interpretations in visual forms of presentation.
Super Bowl Halftime Show's Appeal
The Super Bowl Halftime show offers a valuable experience. The draw of the show is it being among one of the most-watched performances every year and gives a significant reach to viewership unlike any other. For artists this offers immense exposure to different demographics while also boosting their public profiles. The exposure has lead to better revenue via the streaming and purchases of that specific artist after an appearance.
Exposure and Commercial Benefits
Performances have also served as endorsements for artists, which can result in future opportunities for various advertising deals. As they get that level of global interest it also drives streams and digital sales. Many big named artists have become iconic within popular culture via this method. It can boost a name recognition factor in just minutes due to it's large reach and the buzz that the day delivers.
Historical Performances Influence
Past shows continue to make an impact. Classic performances and styles continue to set the tone for current events. There are key players such as The Who, Prince, Diana Ross, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Michael Jackson. These performances all show what could come in each new unique design.
Evolution of the Halftime Show
The evolution from college marching band performances to elaborate stage productions reflects the significant changes made to appeal to broader audiences. The Super Bowl Halftime has a rich history from many styles and each artist delivers their individual creativity while keeping the structure and goal in mind. Over the years, specific artist has delivered what was expected or elevated a show to become iconic.
The Business Side of Entertainment
The financial aspect is very intriguing. There is a low union rate that is standard, however the event generates significant exposure while the NFL and Apple music are paying for all major production expenses. This dynamic adds a layer of complexity and makes it clear that financial profit is not the direct driving factor but is something that grows based on exposure and connections to the larger companies involved.
Key Takeaways
- Kendrick Lamar will headline Super Bowl LIX halftime show on Feb. 9 in New Orleans alongside special guest, SZA.
- Four Louisiana musicians (Jon Batiste, Lauren Daigle, Ledisi and Trombone Shorty) are featured to honor and acknowledge cultural elements for their contributions during the game.
- This event shows what is a major undertaking with complex planning and collaboration between many individuals with many different professional areas.
- The Super Bowl halftime provides significant value via its broad reaching viewership creating major opportunities to artists after their performance.
- Historical performances with many notable stars continue to influence what may come in current times as a format to bring art to many at one time.