NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 09: Kendrick Lamar performs onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS - Rap megastar Kendrick Lamar took over the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans for his Super Bowl halftime performance.
Lamar was also joined by multi-Grammy winner singer SZA.
RELATED: Kendrick Lamar headlining 2025 Super Bowl halftime show
"Being in the now and being just locked-in to how I feel and the energy I have now, that's the L.A. energy for me," he said Thursday at a press conference hosted by Apple Music. "That's something I wanted to carry over to New Orleans and for the world to see. This is me. This is Kendrick Lamar, 37 years old, and I still feel like I'm elevating, I'm still on a journey."
This browser does not support the Video element.
Kendrick Lamar to headline 2025 Super Bowl halftime
According to the Associated Press, Kendrick Lamar will pop out on the NFL’s biggest stage next year: The Grammy winner will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans.
Who is Kendrick Lamar?
Dig deeper:
Lamar has experienced massive success since his debut album "good kid, m.A.A.d city" in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 20 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album "DAMN."
This browser does not support the Video element.
A look at past Super Bowl halftime shows
The Super Bowl halftime show attracts millions of viewers each year.
The rapper’s latest album "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers" was released in 2022. He was featured on the song "Like That" with Future and Metro Boomin on a track that spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this year. He also scored another hit with "Not Like Us."
RELATED: Kendrick Lamar drops 'GNX,' new surprise album
In 2016, Lamar gave a stunning seven-minute performance of tracks such as "The Blacker the Berry" and "Alright" at the 58th Grammy Awards. Lamar dazzled as an opener two years later at the Grammys with a performance of "XXX."\
In June, Lamar turned his Juneteenth "Pop Out" concert into a celebration of Los Angeles unity. It came on the heels of his rap battle with Drake during the three-hour concert featuring a mix of p-and-coming LA rappers and stars including Tyler, The Creator, Steve Lacy and YG.
What they're saying:
Roc Nation founder Jay-Z called Lamar a "once-in-a-generation" artist and performer.
RELATED: Yes Kendrick Lamar won a Pulitzer, here are other big names that have won
"His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision," Jay-Z said. "He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come."
Who performed at last year's Super Bowl halftime show?
Last year, Usher shined with a star-studded show with guests including H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, Ludacris and Alicia Keys.
He started with "Caught Up," moving into "U Don’t Have to Call," "Superstar," and "Love in the Club."
Then Alicia Keys joined in front of bright red piano for her song "If I Ain’t Got You," which morphed into "My Boo," Usher losing a glove in an apparent tribute to Michael Jackson — notable for a performance during Black History Month.
"They said I wouldn’t make it," he told the crowd, dedicating the set to his "mama."
The backstory:
"The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show is a celebration of the music we love and the incredible artists who make it, all on the world’s biggest stage," said Oliver Schusser, the vice president of Apple Music and Beats.
The Source: The Associated Press contributed to this report. The information in this story came from a mix of sources, including official event coverage, past award records, Billboard chart data, and public statements. This story was reported from Los Angeles.