Anticipating the Spectacle: Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Performance at Super Bowl 2025

Who is Whitney Alford?

Kendrick Lamar has kept much of his personal life discreet, yet his long-standing relationship with Whitney Alford is well-known. The two have been a couple for over 20 years, having started their romance while in high school in Compton, California.

How many children does Kendrick Lamar have?

The 37-year-old rapper became engaged to Whitney Alford in 2015, and they maintain a private family life. They share two children, a boy and a girl, who bring joy to their lives.

Their first child, Uzi, born in July 2019, was kept a secret until revealed in a song. The song “Mr. Morale” from 2022 references their daughter. Likewise, their second child, Enoch, was also introduced to the public through a song and a family photo on the cover of “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.”

What songs is Kendrick Lamar performing?

Information from Setlist.FM lists several songs Kendrick Lamar includes in his performances:

• “HUMBLE” – A powerful anthem that energizes the audience.
• “Alright” – An anthem of resilience eagerly awaited by fans.

• “DNA.” – A showcase of his lyrical skill and diversity.
• “m.A.A.d city” – A fan favorite from his acclaimed album.
• “Swimming Pools (Drank)” – Noted for its introspective themes and great production.
• “King Kunta” – A catchy piece that illustrates his unique musical style.
• “LOYALTY.” (featuring Rihanna) – A much-loved song from his album DAMN.
• “N95” – A recent addition from Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers that features prominently in his shows.
• “Money Trees” – A song that evokes nostalgia for many fans.
• “Backseat Freestyle” – An energetic anthem that always excites the crowd.

Will Kendrick Lamar have special guests?

SZA will perform alongside Kendrick Lamar during the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans. Details about additional guests are still forthcoming, but possibilities include frequent collaborators like Baby Keem as well as iconic figures like Dr. Dre or Snoop Dogg, both of whom he has performed with before.

Recent artists such as Tyler, the Creator or Roddy Ricch may also join him based on their past collaborations.

Halftime Show Duration

Typically, NFL halftime shows last between 12 to 15 minutes. However, the Super Bowl version is longer, often extending to 20-30 minutes to accommodate the performance.

While the performances may appear shorter, additional time is needed for staging and teardown.

Longest Halftime Show

Usher’s performance during Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, 2024, marked the longest halftime show in NFL history at 15 minutes.

Kendrick Lamar’s Payment

As per CBS News, performers at the Super Bowl are covered by a union contract that stipulates a minimum wage for their appearances. For instance, Usher reportedly received about $1,000 per day for performing at Super Bowl LVIII.

This has led to perceptions that artists perform for free, yet their worldwide exposure and media coverage offer promotions worth millions.

Kendrick Lamar’s Net Worth

Kendrick Lamar’s estimated net worth is around $140 million.

Kendrick Lamar and Drake Feud

The longstanding feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has drawn considerable attention in the hip-hop world, escalating to the point where security concerns arose after a shooting incident near Drake’s home in May.

Artists with Multiple Halftime Shows

Several high-profile artists have performed more than once during the Super Bowl halftime show, such as Gloria Estefan, Justin Timberlake, Nelly, Bruno Mars, and Usher.

This upcoming performance marks Kendrick Lamar’s first time headlining the show, although he previously appeared during Super Bowl LVI with other notable artists.

Artists Who Refused Super Bowl Performances

While the Super Bowl showcases top-tier talent, some artists have declined invitations:

• Taylor Swift has reportedly turned down multiple Super Bowl performance offers, recently due to her focus on re-recording albums.
• Jay-Z declined to headline in 2020 due to NFL control over performance details.
• Pink and Cardi B also opted out of performing in 2019 for similar reasons.
• Adele expressed in 2016 that she wouldn’t perform because “that show is not about music.”
• Outkast skipped the 2004 halftime show because Andre 3000 didn’t want to shorten their songs.

Best and Worst Halftime Shows

Here are some notable performances throughout Super Bowl history:

Best Halftime Shows:

1. Michael Jackson
2. Prince
3. U2

Worst Halftime Shows:

1. Black Eyed Peas
2. Maroon 5
3. Justin Timberlake

Halftime Show Controversies

A defining moment in halftime show history was Justin Timberlake’s “wardrobe malfunction” with Janet Jackson, which resulted in a live broadcast of Jackson’s breast and incited major public backlash, known as “Nipplegate”.