On February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Kendrick Lamar captivated the audience with a captivating halftime show performance.
The Grammy winning rapper delivered a stunning set, marking his first-ever solo halftime performance after previously sharing the stage in 2022 with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent.
Fans were treated to an electrifying display of Lamar’s biggest hits, with a special guest appearance by SZA, who joined him for a breathtaking performance of their hit song “All the Stars.”
The Super Bowl, known for its high-stakes game and extravagant halftime performances, drew millions of viewers worldwide, making it one of the most-watched events of the year.
While the night was a spectacle of music and sports, the game itself saw an intense showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Eagles dominated the Chiefs with a 40-22 victory, securing their second Super Bowl title in franchise history.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts played a crucial role, throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding a rushing touchdown, earning him the Super Bowl MVP title, as reported by AP News.
Cooper DeJean’s crucial pick-six contributed to the Eagles’ relentless defense, which gave them a 24-0 halftime lead and put Kansas City on the defensive early in the game.
Despite a late rally attempt by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, they were unable to close the gap, preventing what would have been a historic three-peat championship.
But beyond the football action, much of the night’s attention was on Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show, which became a major talking point on social media.
With his iconic songs like “HUMBLE.,” “Alright,” and “Money Trees,” Lamar captivated the audience, proving once again why he is considered one of the most influential hip-hop artists of all time.
Fans praised his raw energy, storytelling, and stage presence, making his performance one of the most memorable in recent Super Bowl history.
While viewers marveled at the production quality and the sheer impact of Lamar’s show, there was one surprising detail that many found hard to believe.
Despite the grandeur and the global spotlight, Kendrick Lamar will not receive a paycheck for his performance.
This revelation follows the longstanding policy of the NFL, which does not pay Super Bowl halftime performers.
An NFL spokesperson told Forbes in 2016, “We do not pay the artists. We cover expenses and production costs.”
For reference, the 2020 halftime show featuring Shakira and Jennifer Lopez reportedly cost a staggering $13 million in production expenses, as per Reuters.
Although Lamar will not take home a direct paycheck, the exposure from the Super Bowl stage is priceless.
Artists who perform at the halftime show often see massive boosts in streaming numbers, album sales, and concert ticket demand.
Following his 2024 Super Bowl performance, Usher’s Spotify streams surged by 550%.
Similarly, Shakira saw a 230% jump, while Jennifer Lopez experienced a 335% spike in streams after their 2020 halftime show.
Legal expert Darrell D. Miller, partner at Fox Rothschild, explained to Newsweek, “When you do the Super Bowl… the world is watching you. Your music is going to be seen by new people… Your touring is going to go up… and your overall appeal as a household name increases.”
For Kendrick Lamar, performing at the Super Bowl was a strategic move, offering him an unmatched global audience and solidifying his status as one of the biggest names in music today.
While fans might be shocked that Lamar won’t be paid for his jaw-dropping show, the long-term benefits of performing at one of the world’s biggest stages far outweigh the absence of a paycheck.
Featured Image Credit: (Alamy)
