Kendrick Lamar’s performance at Super Bowl LIX has set a new record as the most-watched halftime show in history, attracting an incredible 133.5 million viewers.

This milestone surpasses even the previous record held by Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance, which had 133.4 million viewers. Lamar’s performance has not only cemented his place in history but also highlighted the growing influence of hip-hop in mainstream entertainment.

A Star-Studded Halftime Show

Held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025, Lamar’s halftime show was nothing short of spectacular. The 15-minute set featured a visually stunning production with choreographed dancers, cinematic visuals, and impressive stage design.

The rapper delivered some of his biggest hits, including:

“HUMBLE.”

“DNA.”

“Not Like Us” – a track known for its critique of fellow rapper Drake

Adding to the excitement, Lamar surprised fans by bringing out special guests, including:

SZA – who performed alongside him for their chart-topping collaboration

Samuel L. Jackson – delivering an electrifying spoken-word intro

Serena Williams – making a cameo appearance that thrilled the audience

The performance was praised for its energy, creativity, and cultural impact, making it a defining moment in Super Bowl history.

Record-Breaking Viewership

The NFL, Roc Nation, and Apple Music confirmed on February 11 that Lamar’s show had officially broken records. In a statement shared across social media, they announced:

“We’ve broken the record again! The most-watched Apple Music Halftime Show EVER, with 133.5 million viewers.”

Interestingly, Lamar’s halftime show even drew a larger audience than the Super Bowl itself, which Fox Sports reported had an average of 126 million viewers. This rare occurrence proves how powerful the halftime show has become as a standalone event, attracting millions of viewers beyond football fans.

Mixed Reactions from the Music Industry

While Lamar’s performance was widely celebrated, not everyone was impressed. Noel Gallagher, former Oasis frontman, had a harsh opinion about the show. Speaking to talkSPORT, Gallagher said:

“I had to switch it off… it was absolute nonsense.”

He went on to say:

“I didn’t watch it all. I just switched it off. There were like 300 people getting out of a car in the first two minutes.”

Gallagher also admitted that he rarely watches Super Bowl halftime performances, as they usually feature artists he doesn’t follow.

This criticism from Gallagher is particularly interesting because Lamar has been a known fan of Oasis, even being spotted wearing the band’s “Supersonic” T-shirt on multiple occasions. Some fans speculated that Oasis might have made a surprise reunion appearance at the halftime show, but those rumors were ultimately false.

A Milestone for Hip-Hop and the Super Bowl

Despite the criticism, Lamar’s achievement as the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl halftime show is a historic moment for both hip-hop and the NFL. In previous years, rap artists have only performed as part of a larger lineup. His ability to headline and draw record-breaking viewership proves how much the music industry has evolved, with hip-hop now taking center stage in mainstream entertainment.

Many fans and critics believe that this could open doors for future hip-hop headliners at the Super Bowl, paving the way for more rap artists to take on the iconic halftime stage.

Final Thoughts

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show was more than just a performance—it was a cultural moment that showcased the power of hip-hop, creative storytelling, and artistic excellence. While some critics dismissed it, the record-breaking numbers prove that Lamar’s influence is undeniable.

As the most-watched halftime show of all time, this performance will be remembered for years to come, setting a new standard for future Super Bowl halftime shows.