Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 59 halftime performance was highly anticipated, yet overall it fell short. The performance failed to resonate with the diverse Super Bowl audience.
However, a few artists highlighted the concert outside of Lamar, infusing the show with diverse musical styles and creating unexpected moments. The collaboration with SZA, DJ Mustard and Serena Williams stand out from an otherwise average show.
The concert’s vibe spiked when SZA joined Lamar on the set. Her appearance brought some much-needed style and flair to the stage, especially since Kendrick’s jeans were way too long and made him look like he borrowed them from his dad. SZA and Kendrick performed “Luther” and “All The Stars,” showcasing SZA’s vocals and beauty. SZA brought a truly unmatched energy, effortlessly commanding the stage with her soulful presence. Her soothing vibe created the perfect balance to Kendrick’s intense performance, harmonizing the overall experience and bringing a sense of calm that helped clear the atmosphere, making the show feel more dynamic and emotional. It’s no wonder many people have been crushing on her.
When DJ Mustard was introduced, both Eagles and Chiefs fans united to scream, “MUSTARD!!” during the song “TV Off.” DJ Mustard has produced several well-known songs like “Rack City” by Tyga and “Needed Me” by Rihanna, but he is most known for the song that lit the Superbowl stage and now has five Grammy awards: “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar. DJ Mustard’s appearance instantly energized the crowd, breathing new life into a performance when it started feeling a bit flat. His beats raised the concert to another level, as Lamar’s choreography alone wasn’t delivering the level of hype expected from a Super Bowl halftime show.
The most surprising moment that happened during the concert was when Serena Williams hit the stage, trolling her ex-boyfriend and Lamar’s rap nemesis, Drake. It wasn’t just her dance moves but the sheer shock of her appearing on stage during “Not Like Us” sent the crowd going crazy. Her presence alone created a moment that no one could forget for that night, and is still the most talked about moments of the halftime show. Many people were curious why Serena Williams was dancing on stage while Kendrick Lamar was dissing Drake, as “Serena Williams Kendrick Lamar” was the most searched term on Google for the rest of the evening. When it finally clicked — Serena Williams is Drake’s ex — the realization was absolutely jaw-dropping. No wonder why Kendrick Lamar fans loved the performance.
But shouldn’t the Super Bowl halftime show bring joy, excitement and a unique experience for football fans? This Kendrick Lamar performance was basically another diss track, but live.
Overall, Kendrick Lamar’s rapping could be forgettable. But it was the celebrity cameos crafted a performance that showed both entertainment and jaw-dropping moments, keeping the audience engaged in the show. This delivers a show that could be unforgettable on their part. These unexpected appearances carried the halftime show and truly made it memorable.
