Can Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show this year live up to the classics?
The highly anticipated Super Bowl Halftime Show is just a few hours away, with Kendrick Lamar headlining the event. Fresh off a successful night at the Grammys, Lamar, known for his Canadian tuxedo style and impressive music career, will take the main stage. However, gone are the days of a single performer at the Super Bowl halftime, as Lamar will be joined by SZA, his Grammy-winning collaborator. The two artists have previously performed together, creating memorable hits like “All the Stars” and “Luther.”
The question on everyone’s mind is whether this year’s halftime show will live up to the standards set by previous legendary performances. In 2022, Lamar joined forces with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige in a star-studded spectacle that garnered over 324 million views on YouTube. While the bar is set high, fans are eager to see if Lamar and SZA can match the energy and excitement of past shows.
Reflecting on past performances, Live Football Tickets recently released a list of the most-watched Super Bowl Halftime Shows in the YouTube era. Topping the list is Dr. Dre’s performance from three years ago, followed by memorable performances from artists like Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Coldplay, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, and Lady Gaga. Surprisingly, Prince’s iconic 2007 performance ranks lower on the list, showcasing the evolving tastes of audiences over the years.
The festivities kick off early on Super Bowl Sunday, starting with the YouTube Tailgate Concert featuring Post Malone. This pre-game show, a relatively new addition that debuted during the pandemic, has featured top artists like Miley Cyrus, the Chainsmokers, Jason Derulo, the Black Keys, and Gwen Stefani in previous years. This year, YouTube is hosting and sponsoring the event, ensuring a dynamic start to the day’s celebrations.
As the Super Bowl takes place in New Orleans this year, the lineup includes performances that honor the city’s rich musical heritage. Jon Batiste, a Louisiana native, will perform the American National Anthem, while Ledisi will sing “Lift Every Voice,” also known as the Black National Anthem, in celebration of Black History Month. Additional performances include Lauren Daigle accompanied by Trombone Shorty singing “America the Beautiful,” paying homage to the city’s vibrant culture and traditions.
Beyond the main events, the Super Bowl weekend is filled with interactive experiences for fans, including prop bets on various aspects of the game and performances. From predicting the songs artists will perform to guessing who will score the first touchdown, there are endless opportunities for entertainment and engagement during the big game. With a diverse lineup showcasing musical talent from different genres and backgrounds, this year’s Super Bowl promises to be a memorable and exciting event for fans around the world.