Super Bowl LIX: Kendrick Lamar and SZA's Electrifying Halftime Show Packed with Drama

Picture Source: Rolling Stone

What a night at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans! Kendrick Lamar and SZA took the halftime stage and absolutely killed it. Kendrick kicked things off with "Squabble Up" from his latest album "GNX," surrounded by dancers forming the U.S. flag. Honestly, I didn't quite catch that imagery myself—but don't worry, I did afterwards. The energy skyrocketed when SZA joined him for "Luther" and "All the Stars." Their chemistry was off the charts, and SZA's flawless vocals truly shone. They definitely served.

One of the night's most buzzed-about moments was the much-anticipated performance of "Not Like Us," Kendrick's controversial track that reignited his feud with Drake. Released in May 2024, the song accuses Drake of inappropriate behavior, including relationships with minors, and questions his authenticity in hip-hop culture. These bold lyrics sparked major controversy in the music industry. Drake denied the allegations and took legal action against Lamar and his label, claiming defamation. Despite the drama, "Not Like Us" became a massive hit, topping numerous charts and recently snagging five Grammy awards. During the Super Bowl performance, Lamar chose to skip the most contentious lines, but the tension was palpable, especially with Serena Williams making a surprise appearance during the number.

But, as with any major event, there were more controversial moments that had everyone talking.

Boos for Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift was in the stadium supporting her boyfriend, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. When the cameras panned to her on the big screens, part of the crowd booed. Taylor, visibly surprised, turned to her friend Ice Spice and seemed to ask, "What's going on?" before flashing an awkward smile.

Palestinian Flags on Stage

During Kendrick's performance, some on social media noticed Palestinian flags on stage. However, the official broadcast cameras avoided showing these symbols, sparking debates online about censorship and freedom of expression at events of this scale.

Donald Trump's Presence

President Donald Trump attended Super Bowl LIX, marking the first time a sitting president has done so. His presence didn't go unnoticed and was also met with boos from some attendees. Nevertheless, Trump remained all smiles, waving to the crowd.

In summary, Super Bowl LIX not only delivered an impressive musical spectacle but also served up plenty of drama that'll keep people talking all week.