The Super Bowl Halftime Show just got a lot bigger. On Thursday, Apple Music announced that SZA will be joining Kendrick Lamar during this year’s halftime show, hosted at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9.
Apple Music shared a video of Lamar and SZA to make the announcement. “What’s up with it. Everything’s smooth. I’m on the field right now… This feels a lot better than what people think, so that’s a must,” says Lamar on the phone, as SZA approaches the rapper from behind.
“I haven’t even think about a guest performance,” Lamar continues before SZA splashes him with a gallon of Gatorade as the beat for “Hey Now” from GNX starts playing in the background.
SZA’s addition to the halftime show lineup makes a lot of sense. Since he was announced as the headliner of the halftime show, Lamar released his surprise album GNX in late November, featuring SZA on tracks “Gloria” and “Luther.” Most recently, Lamar joined SZA on SOS Deluxe‘s “30 for 30,” with the duo also teaming up for the upcoming Grand National Tour.
Well before then, K.Dot joined SZA on CTRL‘s “Doves in the Wind” in 2017 and Z‘s “Babylon” in 2014. They also performed “All the Stars” together on the 2018 Black Panther soundtrack.
Apple Music announced Lamar as the Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner back in September, marking his return to the stage after he guested during Dr. Dre’s Super Bowl performance in 2022. “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why,” Lamar said in a statement at the time. “They got the right one.”
Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation co-produces the halftime show, added in a statement, “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
2025 is already looking to be a big year for Lamar, whose song “Not Like Us” earned him nominations for Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year.
Aside from Rihanna’s 2023 and The Weeknd’s 2021 performances, most Halftime Shows have featured special guests. Last year, Usher brought out everyone from Alicia Keys and H.E.R. to Lil Jon and Ludacris, and when Lamar joined Dr. Dre in 2022, he welcomed Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and Eminem. At that year’s Super Bowl, Lamar played “M.A.A.D City” and “Alright” and joined Eminem for “Forget About Dre.”
The winner this weekend between the reigning Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills will face off against the victor of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders during Super Bowl LIX.
