The Super Bowl halftime show is more than just a performance — it’s a cultural milestone.
Kendrick Lamar is set to headline the highly anticipated Super Bowl LIX halftime show on Sunday, Feb. 9, marking his second musical appearance at the event. The freshly re-minted 22-time GRAMMY-winning artist first took the stage in 2022, headlining alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem and Mary J. Blige. However, this time, Lamar will be joined by labelmate SZA, as the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles compete for the championship.
Coming fresh off a dominant night at the 2025 GRAMMYs, Lamar's hit record "Not Like Us" secured him awards for Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Music Video, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. This clean sweep further solidified Lamar's status as a powerhouse — making him the ideal artist to take on the biggest stage in sports.
Read more: Kendrick Lamar's GRAMMY Timeline: From His First Win And Performances To "Not Like Us"\
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Ironically, the Super Bowl’s halftime show has evolved far beyond a simple mid-game distraction — it has become a cultural spectacle that often overshadows the game itself. The 12-to-15 minute performance slot is now a coveted platform for artists to deliver career-defining moments, blending jaw-dropping visuals, electrifying choreography, and surprise guests into an unforgettable experience.
Within the last five years, Jay-Z's Roc Nation has played a major role in revamping the halftime show, serving as the NFL’s live music entertainment strategist and bringing fresh talent that resonates with a younger, global audience.
As we countdown to Lamar's highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show, let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable performances in Super Bowl history.
Michael Jackson (1993)
Before Michael Jackson took the stage at Super Bowl XXVII, halftime shows were largely casual affairs, often featuring marching bands and smaller acts. But Jackson changed everything. The King of Pop delivered a game-changing performance featuring "Billie Jean," "Black or White," and "Heal The World," complete with his signature moonwalk and explosive stage production. Jackson's show remains the most-watched Super Bowl halftime performance in history, amassing 133.4 million viewers.
U2 (2002)
In the wake of 9/11, U2 turned their halftime performance in New Orleans into a powerful tribute. As the band performed "MLK" and "Where the Streets Have No Name," they honored those who were lost by displaying their names on a massive scrolling backdrop. It was a deeply emotional moment that transcended sports, uniting a grieving nation through music.
Rihanna (2023)
At Super Bowl LVII, Rihanna made her grand return to music after a seven-year hiatus with a solo Super Bowl halftime show that stunned fans — not just for the hits-packed setlist ("Diamonds," "Umbrella," "Rude Boy") but for it's unexpected reveal: she was pregnant. The stunning performance instantly became one of the most talked-about moments in Super Bowl history.
Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake (2004)
The 2004 Super Bowl halftime show had one of the most infamous moments in TV history. While Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake were performing "Rock Your Body," an unexpected wardrobe malfunction led to global controversy. Though the moment lasted less than a second, it led to FCC fines, broadcast changes, and endless media scrutiny. Fans now celebrate Janet Jackson Appreciation Day every Super Bowl Sunday in response to how she was unfairly blamed for the incident.
Prince (2007)
Rain during the biggest night in entertainment can be viewed as a bad omen for some, but for Prince, it was a stroke of luck. Performing at Super Bowl XLI, he embraced the moment as it down-poured inside the Dolphin Stadium, closing his show with "Purple Rain" as the skies opened up. The image of Prince shredding his guitar in the pouring rain remains one of the most legendary moments in Super Bowl halftime history.
Kendrick Lamar
Though Lamar will make his debut as the first solo rapper to headline this year, in 2022 he performed with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and special guests Anderson .Paak and 50 Cent (whose upside down performance humorously stole the show). Lamar performed his song, “Alright” and did a brief tribute to Dr. Dre, who was the main focus of the show.
Shakira & Jennifer Lopez (2020)
The 2020 Super Bowl halftime show was a celebration of Latin culture, featuring Shakira and Jennifer Lopez as co-headliners — the first time two Latin women led the event. The duo delivered a high-energy, 14-minute spectacle, bringing out Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Lopez’s daughter, Emme Muñiz. Beyond the entertainment, the show also made a bold statement on immigration with children singing from inside cages, addressing the mistreatment of Mexican immigrants in America.
Coldplay (2016)
To celebrate the 50th Super Bowl halftime show, Coldplay led the performance, but Beyoncé and Bruno Mars quickly stepped in as guest performers to share the spotlight. Beyoncé’s “Formation” debut — complete with an army of Black Panther-inspired dancers — became the most talked-about moment of the night. The three artists later came together for a nostalgic montage celebrating past halftime shows.