By Jordan Kwong
On February 9th, the Philadelphia Eagles faced the Kansas City Chiefs in America’s most fabled sports event—the Super Bowl. In an epic blowout, the Eagles came up victorious. For many viewers, however, football wasn’t the sole reason they watched. Instead, they were there for the halftime show. Performed by Kendrick Lamar in collaboration with SZA, the show was arguably one of the best yet.
Recent Grammy Award winner Kendrick Lamar was the main performer during the show. The hip-hop artist has been a favorite among the younger generations since the 2010s, best known for his 2017 album DAMN. He performed a wide repertoire of his most famous songs, including “DNA,” “Humble,” and “Not Like Us.” His voice and ability to maintain tempo while rapping for so long impressed even those who don’t normally enjoy hip-hop.
Joining him onstage was SZA, whose presence added a layer of depth to the show. The R&B star complemented Kendrick’s hard-hitting verses with her smooth, melodic vocals, performing hits like “All the Stars” and “Luther.” The chemistry between the two artists was perfect, creating a contrast between Lamar’s intensity and SZA’s elegance.
Beyond the music, the production itself was breathtaking. Dancers wore red, white, and blue, and moved in perfect unison. The fan-named “K-Dot’s Angels,” four female dancers who backed Kendrick during “Not Like Us,” have gone viral online. The lighting and cinematography were unreal and made the show look like a music video.
Symbolism played a key role throughout the performance. Kendrick, known for his socially conscious lyricism, made nods to the societal struggles of racism in the United States. Samuel L. Jackson played the role of Uncle Sam. His lines were critical, saying Kendrick was “too ghetto” and that he did not know how to “play the game.” At times the dancers resembled an American flag split in half. The show was also a final jab at Drake, with its inclusion of “Not Like Us,” and his ex-girlfriend Serena Williams performing a crip walk.
In just under 15 minutes, Kendrick Lamar and SZA delivered a halftime show that wasn’t just a performance, but a statement. Some critics, however, argued that they “couldn’t understand a word” and that it was the worst of all time. While any rap listener would beg to differ, some parts of the show are undeniable. Stunning production, meaningful symbolism, and breathtaking musical moments make the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show truly unforgettable.