Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl performance proves he really is not like us.
The rapper’s career-spanning set during the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Feb. 9 made for a truly one-of-a-kind spectacle—complete with an assist from Samuel L. Jackson—and it wouldn’t have been complete without a jaw-dropping rendition of his Grammy-winning Drake diss track that had New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome jumping.
On top of grinning directly into the camera as he name-checked the Canadian rapper, Kendrick even recruited Drake’s rumored ex Serena Williams, who made a surprise cameo appearance to do a crip walk during the song.
In addition to hyping up the crowd with his hits like “Squabble Up” and “DNA,” the 37-year-old was also joined by his frequent collaborator SZA, who was previously announced as a guest performer and joined Kendrick for energetic performances of their hits “All the Stars” and “Luther.”
Prior to the game, Kendrick—who previously performed at the Super Bowl alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Mary J. Blige in 2022—admitted that headlining the halftime show wasn’t on his bucket list during his career ascent, but was still something he was subconsciously preparing for.
“I wasn’t thinking about no Super Bowl,” he told Ebro Darden and Nadeska Alexis during a press conference Feb. 6. “The passion I have now is still the passion I had then. And I think that carried on to the Super Bowl. So it was all about being present. As long as I was present in the studio or present in whatever the line was, or whatever the mistake was, rapping or doing the hooks or choruses or whatnot, I was present in that moment, I felt that passion.”
And the rapper—who is set to hit the road with SZA for their Grand National Tour in April—also spoke highly of the “Nobody Gets Me” singer, calling her success “amazing to see.”
“She’s always had it, man, she always had it,” he gushed. “I’m just honored to be next to her talent.”
But the halftime show isn’t the only major pop culture moment on game night. Keep scrolling to see some of the star-studded commercials airing between plays…
Uber Eats, Starring Martha Stewart & Charli XCX
Ordering Uber Eats? Now that’s brat. Watch Charli teach Martha Gen Z trends in the ad’s teaser here.
Nike, Starring Jordan Chiles, Caitlin Clark, Sha’Carri Richardson
You can’t win. So win. Watch Nike’s inspiring women-led ad.
Ray-BanMeta starring Kris Jenner, Chris Hemsworth and Chris Pratt
Meta’s AI glasses became a hot topic during the big game with one of the most talked-about ads of the night.
Ritz, Starring Aubrey Plaza & Michael Shannon
You have to be salty in the Salty Club. Watch the full ad here.
Universal
Five immersive worlds in one theme park? See the Universal magic that’s coming soon here.
Duracell, Starring Tom Brady
The seven-time Super Bowl ring holder can only run on Duracell. See full ad here.
Thunderbolts Trailer, Starring Florence Pugh
A new chapter of Marvel is about to begin. Watch full trailer here.
How To Train Your Dragon Trailer, Starring Mason Thames
It’s time to meet the real life Toothless. Watch the live action remake trailer here.
Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Trailer, Starring Tom Cruise
See the Oscar nominee go for the impossible—one last time. Watch full trailer here.
Jurassic World: Rebirth Trailer, Starring Scarlett Johansson
A new era is about to begin. Watch full trailer here.
Dunkin, Starring Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck, Jeremy Strong & More
The DunKINGS are in the house for a meet and greet with a very special guest. Watch the full ad here.
NerdWallet, Starring Kieran Culkin
The Succession star voices a genius beluga whale, which serves as the personal finance company’s new mascot, in this new ad detailing how “genius” it is to use NerdWallet.
Mountain Dew, Starring Seal and Becky G
The “Kiss From a Rose” singer is depicted as an actual seal in this “Kiss from a Lime” ad for Mountain Dew Baja Blast’s new Tropical Lime flavor.
Bug Light, Starring Post Malone, Shane Gillis & Peyton Manning
The three appear in the brand’s “Big Men on Cul-de-Sac” ad, set to Huey Lewis and the News‘ 1985 hit “The Power of Love.”
Intuit Turbo Tax, Starring Issa Rae
It’s tax season, unfortunately, but the Insecure star shares a way to make it less stressful. Watch the ad here.
Hellman’s, Starring When Harry Met Sally‘s Billy Crystal & Meg Ryan
You’ll really want to have what she’s having after seeing this sweet reunion. Watch here.
HexClad, Starring Gordon Ramsay & Pete Davidson
Pete Davidson reveals a secret about really famous people to Gordon Ramsay in their ad for the heavy duty cooking pan. See full ad here.
FanDuel, Starring Eli Manning & Peyton Manning
A rivalry between brothers never really ends, according to the NFL alums. See the Manning brothers rock their childhood looks in the sports betting app’s ad here.
Totino’s, Starring Tim Robinson & Sam Richardson
They’re the most snackable pizza in the universe—and the Detroiters stars prove it. See the Super Bowl snack ad here.
Frank’s RedHot, Starring Paris Hilton
A spicy commercial just in time for the big game? That’s hot! Watch the ad here.
Angel Soft, Starring Julian Edelman & Charissa Thompson
When you have to go, you have to go. And while the former New England Patriots player proves it won’t take much time away from the big game in a teaser commercial, Angel Soft went on to air the most considerate ad of the evening. See here.
