Kendrick Lamar has officially made history with his electrifying performance at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, surpassing all previous records with an astounding 133.5 million viewers. The rapper, known for his lyricism and cultural impact, overtook Michael Jackson’s 1993 record of 133.4 million viewers, making his performance the most-watched halftime show ever.
The 2025 Super Bowl itself was a record-breaking event, drawing an estimated 126 million viewers, with a peak of 137.7 million just before halftime. The Philadelphia Eagles emerged victorious over the Kansas City Chiefs with a decisive 40-22 win. However, it was Lamar’s halftime performance that stole the spotlight, captivating audiences worldwide.
Lamar’s historic show marked the first time a solo rapper headlined the Super Bowl halftime stage, a monumental achievement for hip-hop. The 2018 Pulitzer Prize winner delivered a set that combined political and cultural symbolism with high-energy performances. His setlist featured 12 songs, including his five-time Grammy-winning diss track “Not Like Us,” aimed at fellow rapper Drake. The moment was highly anticipated, as fans were eager to see if the song, which became the most decorated in Grammy history, would make it to the Super Bowl stage.
Beyond the music, Lamar’s halftime show was a visual masterpiece. His dancers formed powerful imagery, including an American flag during his performance of “Humble.” The performance also saw an array of star-studded appearances, with Samuel L. Jackson, SZA, Serena Williams, and producer Mustard joining the celebration.
His setlist included hits from his 2024 Billboard 200-topping album GNX, such as “Squabble Up,” “Peekaboo,” “Luther” featuring SZA, and “TV Off.” The performance of “Not Like Us” served as the ultimate moment in his ongoing rap battle with Drake, a rivalry that has kept the hip-hop world buzzing for months.
With 133.5 million viewers, Lamar’s halftime performance drew a larger audience than the game itself. Apple Music and Roc Nation, the producers of the show, celebrated the achievement, writing on Instagram: “We’ve broken the record again! The most watched Apple Music Halftime show EVER.”
Following this milestone, Lamar and SZA are set to embark on their Grand National Tour in April, covering stadiums across the U.S., with a U.K. and Europe leg scheduled for July. As the hip-hop world continues to evolve, Lamar’s Super Bowl performance cements his legacy as one of the greatest artists of his generation.
