The Super Bowl 2025, held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, featured Kendrick Lamar as the star of the halftime show, delivering a performance that blended his powerful lyrics with a visually stunning stage setup true to his style.
However, the show still generated some criticism.
Kendrick Lamar delivered a show true to his spontaneous style.
The stage simulated a long street with streetlights, recreating an urban environment. Accompanied by a large number of dancers dressed in white, blue, and red, the colors of the United States flag, Lamar walked across the stage while the camera followed him closely, capturing the intensity of each movement.
The synchronization between the rapper and his dance crew added an extra layer of drama to the performance.
Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams, the special guests
One of the biggest surprises of the night was the appearance of Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as the iconic Uncle Sam, who interacted with Lamar throughout the entire show.
It also highlighted the participation of Serena Williams, who surprised the audience by joining the cast of dancers, demonstrating her versatility beyond tennis.
Collaboration with SZA and 'Not Like Us', what couldn't be missed
The show had a special moment with the presence of SZA, who performed "Luther" and "All the Stars" with Lamar, adding a dose of emotion to the night.
However, one of the most talked-about moments was the performance of "Not Like Us," a song that debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and led Lamar to win five awards at the 2025 Grammys.
While the rapper softened the lyrics and omitted controversial words, he still kept strong insinuations that sparked reactions on social media and among viewers. He also mentioned Drake, the artist with whom he has a strong controversy and makes serious accusations in the original version of this song.
Lamar also went through a selection of his hits like "Squabble Up," "HUMBLE.," "DNA.," "Euphoria," and "Man at the Garden," before closing his set with "TV Off" alongside DJ Mustard. The energy of the show remained high from start to finish, solidifying Lamar as one of the most influential artists in contemporary hip-hop.
Opinions were divided
While many praised the production and impact of the show, others expressed their discontent on social media.
Comments like "Already? Is that all? Bring back the Pepsi halftime shows, for God's sake" or "It's definitely time for a woman to get the #HalftimeShow, they really know how to put on a complete show worthy of a #SuperBowl" reflected the criticisms of some fans.
Additionally, there were comparisons made with previous performances, such as Katy Perry's at Super Bowl XLIX, which is still remembered as one of the best in history.
Despite the mixed opinions, Kendrick Lamar's show at the Super Bowl 2025 made an impression on his fans who appreciated his performance despite the criticism.