The Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, featuring headliner Kendrick Lamar at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, kicked off around 8:15 PM EST on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Because kickoff for Super Bowl LIX was scheduled for 6:30 PM EST, the exact timing of the musical intermission depended on the pace of the first half. Standard championship games typically run about two hours from kickoff to halftime, making a start window between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM EST the industry norm.
Fans watched the broadcast live on Fox or streamed it through platforms like Tubi and YouTube TV. As the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the stage, Lamar delivered a high-profile set alongside surprise guest appearances, including R&B artist SZA, record producer Mustard, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and tennis icon Serena Williams.
Performance Breakdown and Special Guests
Kendrick Lamar's return to the halftime stage followed his 2022 appearance alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent. This time, as the primary headliner, he crafted a set that drew heavily from his acclaimed catalog, including tracks like "Not Like Us" and selections from his album GNX.
The production featured striking visual motifs, with Samuel L. Jackson appearing as a narrator-like figure guiding the narrative of the performance. SZA joined Lamar for vocal duets, bringing added energy to the packed New Orleans stadium. Mustard also stepped out toward the finale to perform "TV Off," wrapping up a performance that later earned multiple Emmy nominations and a win for Outstanding Music Direction.
How to Access Replays and Official Highlights
While the live broadcast concluded on February 9, 2025, official recordings and individual song clips remain widely accessible. Fans looking to rewatch specific segments can find the full high-definition video through the NFL Official Website or via the league's verified YouTube channel. Apple Music, the primary sponsor of the event, also hosts extended artist interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and curated audio playlists featuring the setlist.
Pre-Show Lineup and National Anthem Performers
Before the main game and the halftime spectacle began, the NFL lined up several notable artists for pre-game patriotic performances:
- Jon Batiste: Performed the national anthem.
- Lauren Daigle and Trombone Shorty: Teamed up to perform "America the Beautiful".
- Ledisi: Delivered a powerful rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing".
These performances kicked off the official NFL broadcast window, which started hours before kickoff to build anticipation for the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and their opponents.
Common Mistakes When Tracking Halftime Schedules
Viewers often miss the start of the halftime show due to a few common miscalculations.
First, relying on a rigid clock instead of the game's flow causes problems. Halftime never starts at a fixed hour like 8:00 PM flat; it triggers immediately when the second quarter ends and players head to the locker rooms. Long injury timeouts, replay reviews, or high-scoring drives in the second quarter can easily shift the schedule by 10 to 15 minutes.
Second, streaming latency can ruin the live experience. Viewers watching via certain digital apps or mobile data streams often experience a delay of 30 to 60 seconds compared to traditional cable feeds, which can lead to spoilers popping up on social media feeds before the music even starts on screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Super Bowl halftime show last?
The performance itself typically runs between 12 and 15 minutes. However, the entire halftime window spans about 30 minutes to account for the rapid assembly and teardown of the massive stage setup on the field.
Who pays for the Super Bowl halftime show production costs?
The NFL and its corporate sponsors—such as Apple Music and Roc Nation—cover the production expenses. Headlining artists do not receive a traditional appearance fee, as the massive promotional boost and subsequent surge in music streaming provide immense value.
Where was Super Bowl LIX held?
The game took place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This marked the city's eleventh time hosting the championship event.
Can artists perform whatever songs they want?
Setlists undergo a strict review process by the NFL and broadcast networks to ensure compliance with broadcast standards, timing constraints, and family-friendly guidelines.
