Super Bowl LIX:
Kendrick Lamar Headlines Epic Halftime Show
New Orleans Music Takes Center Stage
Super Bowl LIX is fast approaching, and the excitement is building! The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are set for a rematch, but the Super Bowl is more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a stage for unforgettable musical performances.1 This year, the Super Bowl Pregame Show and Halftime Show promise to be a celebration of New Orleans’ rich musical heritage, setting the stage for an epic showdown at the Caesars Superdome.
A New Orleans Musical Extravaganza
The NFL, under the direction of Seth Dudowsky, is pulling out all the stops to honor the vibrant music of New Orleans and Louisiana. “The Super Bowl is a rare moment to unite fans around the world,” says Dudowsky, “and this year’s performers will bring the energy, soul and vibrant sounds of the region to a global stage, as we kickoff Super Bowl LIX with a celebration to remember.” This focus on local talent makes this year’s pre-game show particularly special.
Kendrick Lamar Lights Up the Halftime Show
Headlining the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show is none other than Kendrick Lamar.2 This marks Lamar’s second Super Bowl appearance, following his iconic performance at the 2022 Super Bowl in Los Angeles. Fresh off his five Grammy wins for his Drake diss track “Not Like Us,” including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, Lamar is poised to deliver a showstopping performance. Joining him is Grammy-winning R&B artist SZA, with whom he collaborated on “All the Stars” and “Luther.”3 While SZA is the only confirmed guest, rumors of surprise appearances are swirling.
Pre-Game Show Honors New Orleans’ Finest
The Super Bowl LIX Pregame Show is a testament to New Orleans’ musical legacy. Jon Batiste, a five-time Grammy winner, including Album of the Year for “We Are,” will perform the National Anthem. Batiste, a Juilliard alum and former bandleader for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” brings his unique blend of jazz, R&B, and soul to the Super Bowl stage.4
Ledisi, a Grammy-winning vocalist and actress raised in New Orleans, will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the “Black National Anthem.” Ledisi’s powerful voice and moving performances have earned her critical acclaim, and her portrayal of Mahalia Jackson in “Selma” and “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story” further highlights her connection to music history.5
“America the Beautiful” will be performed by New Orleans native and five-time Grammy winner Trombone Shorty alongside Christian music singer Lauren Daigle.6 Daigle, whose album “Look Up Child” dominated the Billboard Christian Albums chart, adds her powerful vocals to this patriotic anthem.
Adding to the pre-game excitement, the Human Jukebox Marching Band from Southern University, an HBCU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will bring their electrifying energy to the Super Bowl stage. Known for their dynamic performances, the Human Jukebox is a perfect representation of Louisiana’s rich musical and cultural heritage.
Super Bowl LIX promises to be a memorable event, combining the thrill of championship football with a celebration of music and culture. From Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated Halftime Show to the pre-game showcase of New Orleans’ finest talent, this year’s Super Bowl is set to be an unforgettable experience.
