Kendrick Lamar, SZA Dazzle at Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans

<p_NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar and R&B superstar SZA delivered a high-energy performance Sunday night during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show at Caesars Superdome, captivating millions of viewers worldwide. The duo, both freshly celebrated for their collaborations and individual successes, brought their unique styles to the stage, blending Lamar’s storytelling prowess with SZA’s soulful melodies.

The halftime show, sponsored by Apple Music, featured Lamar as the headliner, marking his second appearance on the NFL’s biggest stage. In 2022, he performed alongside hip-hop legends Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige. This year, Lamar was joined by SZA, with whom he has collaborated on hits like ‘All the Stars’ and ‘Luther.’ The performance also included surprise appearances by actor Samuel L. Jackson, tennis legend Serena Williams, and producer Mustard, adding to the spectacle.

Before kickoff, the pregame show showcased a lineup of Louisiana natives, including Trombone Shorty, Lauren Daigle, and Jon Batiste, who performed the national anthem. The celebration of New Orleans’ rich musical heritage was a central theme of the event, highlighted by the NFL’s commitment to honoring the region’s vibrant cultural legacy.

Lamar, who recently won five Grammy Awards for his seething diss track ‘Not Like Us,’ hinted at the possibility of including the song in his setlist, though its inclusion remained uncertain due to ongoing legal issues with fellow rapper Drake. The rapper’s performance also featured fan favorites like ‘DNA.’ and ‘HUMBLE.,’ blending his discography with new material from his latest album, GNX.

SZA, who joined Lamar on stage, expressed her excitement about the collaboration. ‘What I can say is he’s worked really hard on it, and I’m so honored to be a part of it,’ she remarked during a press conference. The two are set to embark on a 19-city North American tour, kicking off in April, further solidifying their musical partnership.

The halftime show, which began around 8:30 p.m. ET, ran for approximately 15 minutes and was met with widespread acclaim. Fans on social media praised the chemistry between Lamar and SZA, as well as the production’s seamless integration of storytelling and visuals. The performance was interpreted as a testament to the power of hip-hop and R&B to unite audiences across generations and cultures.