Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Credit: Lester Cohen/GettyImages
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, all eyes are on the halftime show, set to feature a dynamic performance by Kendrick Lamar, with special guest and former labelmate SZA.
Kendrick Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper, is no stranger to the Super Bowl stage, having previously performed during the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022. This year, he returns as the headliner, bringing with him longtime collaborator, SZA. The announcement of SZA’s participation was made through a teaser trailer by Apple Music, where she snuck up behind Lamar on a football field and doused him with a cooler of blue Gatorade.
“Seeing Kendrick [Lamar] and SZA perform together in the Super Bowl is going to be electrifying,” NSU junior Omari Sutton said.
“He’s coming off possibly the biggest year of his rap career yet. SZA is at the top of her game too, so it’s going to be great seeing them perform together. It’s going to be fun,” he mentioned.
The creative direction for the halftime show will be managed by Lamar’s company, pgLang, while production will be handled by Diversified Production Services, Roc Nation, and Jesse Collins. Roc Nation is also serving as the “Strategic Entertainment Advisor” for the Super Bowl.
Lamar and SZA’s collaboration history includes the Grammy and Oscar-nominated track “All the Stars” from the “Black Panther” soundtrack, as well as recent projects from their respective albums “GNX” and “Lana,” leading up to their Grand National Tour, which kicks off in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on April 19, 2025.
While specific details of their Super Bowl performance remain under wraps, fans are speculating about potential surprises. Given the duo’s history of unexpected collaborations, there is buzz about possible guest appearances. It is alleged that the recently reunited band Oasis might join them on stage, following a “leaked” setlist that has circulated online. While the show tracklist has raised eyebrows for many, Kendrick Lamar’s known admiration for Oasis adds fuel to this speculation.
In addition to the halftime show, Lamar and American fashion designer Willy Chavarria have teamed up to release a new collection of merch inspired by his hit song “TV Off.” The special edition clothing line was released on January 29th through Fanatics and the official NFL Shop, featuring a hoodie, t-shirt, and shorts designed by pgLang, with prices ranging between $55 to $750. Proceeds from the collection will go towards organizations in Los Angeles to help victims of the recent wildfires.
As the big game approaches, excitement continues to build for what promises to be a memorable halftime performance from Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Super Bowl LIX will be taking place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 9th.
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