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The Ultimate Guide To Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show 2025: Setlist, Guests, And The Kendrick Lamar/SZA Dynamic

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The official countdown is on! As of December 22, 2025, the world is buzzing with anticipation for the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, set to take place on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The National Football League (NFL) and Apple Music have officially confirmed that the headliner for the biggest musical stage in the world is none other than Pulitzer Prize-winning hip-hop titan, Kendrick Lamar.

This announcement, which was first made in September 2024, has been further amplified by the recent reveal of a massive special guest: Grammy-winning R&B sensation SZA. This pairing marks a monumental moment for the hip-hop and R&B genres, promising a dynamic, politically charged, and visually spectacular performance that will define the 2025 cultural landscape. The pressure is immense to deliver a show that lives up to the legacy of New Orleans music and the global spectacle of the Super Bowl.

The Official Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show 2025 Lineup and Venue

The stage for Super Bowl LIX is set for a historic night of music and football. Here is the essential information you need to know about the most anticipated show of the year:

  • Event: Super Bowl LIX (59)
  • Date: Sunday, February 9, 2025
  • Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Headlining Performer: Kendrick Lamar
  • Special Guest Performer: SZA
  • Sponsor: Apple Music (Official Halftime Show Sponsor)

The choice of Kendrick Lamar, a monumental figure in modern hip-hop known for his lyrical depth and complex stage productions, signals the NFL’s continued commitment to showcasing diverse, culturally significant artists. SZA's addition, revealed in a cinematic trailer, adds a layer of emotional resonance and chart-topping R&B hits to the set, creating a perfect storm of musical talent.

The Kendrick and SZA Dynamic: A Deep Dive into Their Iconic Collaborations

The inclusion of SZA is not merely a guest spot; it’s a strategic move that taps into one of the most successful and critically acclaimed partnerships in Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) history. Their shared musical history guarantees several must-see moments during the 13-minute spectacle.

The History of a Hit-Making Duo

Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s professional relationship dates back over a decade, with their collaborations consistently topping charts and receiving critical praise. Their combined discography offers a rich tapestry of sounds that perfectly suits the Super Bowl stage:

  • "Babylon" (2014): Their first major collaboration, featured on SZA’s debut full-length album, Z.
  • "All The Stars" (2018): The pinnacle of their partnership, this song from the Black Panther soundtrack was a global commercial success and an iconic moment in their careers.
  • Recent Chart Success ("Luther" & "Gloria"): In the years leading up to the Super Bowl, tracks like "Luther" (which captured the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100) and "Gloria" have proven their continued commercial and artistic dominance, making them essential additions to the setlist.

This history of success means the halftime show won't just be a medley of solo hits, but a seamless, theatrical narrative built around their shared musical journey, transitioning effortlessly between hard-hitting rap and soulful R&B.

Predicting the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Setlist: 5 Must-Play Songs

The biggest challenge for any Super Bowl headliner is condensing a career's worth of music into a tight, 13-minute performance. For Kendrick Lamar, the task is especially daunting given his vast catalog of hits, deep cuts, and recent viral tracks. Based on fan speculation, chart performance, and the confirmed presence of SZA, here are the top five songs most likely to make the final setlist:

  1. "Not Like Us" (2024): This viral, chart-shattering track is arguably the most anticipated song of the night. Its cultural impact and high-energy beat make it a perfect opener or closer, guaranteed to send the Caesars Superdome crowd into a frenzy.
  2. "All The Stars" (feat. SZA) (2018): This is a non-negotiable inclusion. It serves as the perfect centerpiece for the Kendrick/SZA collaboration, offering a moment of cinematic grandeur and a nod to their global appeal.
  3. "HUMBLE." (2017): A perennial favorite and one of Lamar’s most recognizable tracks, "HUMBLE." is a high-energy anthem that is essential for a mass-appeal broadcast. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that showcases his technical skill.
  4. "DNA." (2017): Known for its powerful beat switch and intense delivery, "DNA." provides the necessary dramatic tension and lyrical complexity that Kendrick Lamar is famous for. It's a key track from his Pulitzer-winning album, DAMN.
  5. "luther" (feat. SZA) (2024): The inclusion of a very recent, chart-topping collaboration like "luther" would ensure the show feels current and fresh. It would highlight the duo’s present-day relevance and provide SZA a major solo moment.

Other strong contenders that may find their way into a medley include "King Kunta," "Swimming Pools (Drank)," "N95," "Poetic Justice," and "Family Ties" (which could feature a surprise guest like Baby Keem).

The New Orleans Factor: How Location Will Influence the Show

The Super Bowl LIX is taking place in New Orleans, a city synonymous with musical history, culture, and vibrant energy. While Kendrick and SZA's sound is rooted in West Coast hip-hop and contemporary R&B, the production is expected to pay homage to the city's unique flavor.

The Caesars Superdome, having hosted the Super Bowl seven times, is a venue with a rich legacy. Experts predict that the show’s visual elements and staging will incorporate New Orleans’ iconic imagery, potentially featuring brass bands, Mardi Gras-style costuming, or a second-line parade motif to transition between sets. This would be a welcome and topical nod to the local culture, ensuring the show is not just a performance, but a celebration of the host city. The energy of New Orleans will undoubtedly elevate the entire spectacle, creating a truly memorable experience for the hundreds of millions watching globally.

The Rumored Surprise Guests and Potential Cameos

Every Super Bowl Halftime Show is defined by its surprise guests. While SZA is confirmed, the hip-hop world is rife with speculation about who else might join the stage. The key entities to watch include:

  • Dr. Dre: As a mentor and collaborator, Dr. Dre’s presence would be a powerful generational bridge, especially for a performance of a track like "Family Ties" or a classic hip-hop medley.
  • Baby Keem: Kendrick’s cousin and frequent collaborator, Baby Keem, is a strong candidate to perform their Grammy-winning hit, "Family Ties."
  • J. Cole: Given the recent, highly-publicized rap battles and their subsequent reconciliation, a surprise appearance by J. Cole would be an earth-shattering moment that would break the internet.
  • TDE Family: Fellow Top Dawg Entertainment artists like ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul could join for a powerful TDE showcase, celebrating the label that launched both Kendrick and SZA’s careers.
  • Hollywood Icons: One unconfirmed report even mentioned cinematic cameos by figures like Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams in promotional materials, suggesting a highly theatrical and star-studded production beyond just the musical guests.

The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA is set to be one of the most culturally significant performances of the decade. With a deep catalog of hits, a powerful collaborative history, and the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, the show promises to be a masterclass in musical theater, delivering an unforgettable experience on February 9, 2025.

The Ultimate Guide to Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show 2025: Setlist, Guests, and the Kendrick Lamar/SZA Dynamic
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