The historic Super Bowl performance
Just a few days after Kendrick Lamar performed during the break of 2025, his performance was declared the most popular halftime show in Super Bowl history.
Kendrick Lamar breaks records
On Monday (February 10), the Compton rapper made history, becoming the first solo rapper to headline the illustrious halftime show.
After performing the headlining act, NME reported that Kendrick Lamar’s show now ranks third in Super Bowl history. It has been confirmed that his performance is currently the most popular in terms of viewership, according to Apple Music and Roc Nation.
During Lamar’s halftime show, a staggering 133.5 million viewers tuned in to the event, with over 38 million views collected on YouTube and countless other views across social media platforms since the performance concluded.
The title of most popular halftime show was previously held by Usher, who recorded 129.3 million viewers, surpassing the former title held by Rihanna with 121 million viewers.
However, despite the record-breaking viewership, Lamar’s performance received mixed reviews. Fans were divided, with some calling it a “masterpiece,” while others dismissed it as “the worst Super Bowl performance in the past decade.”
Oasis' Noel Gallagher criticized the performance, stating that he “had to turn it off. It was absolute nonsense.” Kendrick Lamar, who has shown admiration for the group in the past by wearing Oasis shirts on stage and in the studio, has not yet responded to Gallagher’s critique.
SZA joined Kendrick Lamar on stage, with cameras capturing Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams.
Both Kendrick Lamar and SZA are set to embark on a joint tour this year, performing across North America from April to June. Shortly after their Super Bowl performance, the duo announced a tour across UK and European stadiums. You can get tickets for US dates here and tickets for UK/Europe dates here.
Lamar’s halftime show occurred one week after he swept the Grammy Awards 2025, winning five awards—all for the song “not us,” including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/kendrick-lamars-super-bowl-performance-is-now-the-most-watched-halftime-show-ever-3837220?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kendrick-lamars-super-bowl-performance-is-now-the-most-watched-halftime-show-ever
