Less than two months into 2025 and Kemdrick Lamar has secured another huge achievement. His Super Bowl LIX halftime show is now the most watched half time show of all time. Surpassing Michael Jackson’s iconic Super Bowl XXVII halftime performance over 30 years ago.
Roc Nation, Apple Music and the NFL announced the feat on Tuesday (Feb. 11). The record performance had 133.5 million viewers glued to the screen, which outdrew the game’s 126 million, according to reports. Despite the history and narratives going into the game, more than seven million people were more invested in seeing the Compton rapper set the stage on fire.
“We’ve broken the record again! The most watched Apple Music Halftime show EVER, with 133.5 Million viewers.”
— Roc Nation via Instagram
Michael Jackson’s legendary 1993 performance drew 133.4 million viewers, meaning the 37 year old only edged out MJ by 100,000 people. The gap was a little wider in comparison to Usher’s instant classic performance last year that drew in a massive 123.4 million viewers. Nonetheless, the three most watched halftime shows of all time are from African American artists, a huge win for Black History Month.
Lamar’s halftime set featured spoken portions by Samuel L. Jackson, SZA, who he is set to tour alongside this summer, on their collaboration track “Luther” and “All The Stars” with special appearances by Mustard and tennis legend Serena Williams. As the world eagerly anticipated his GRAMMY Award winning hit “Not Like Us,” the Pulitzer Prize winner stared directly into the camera and smirked when he rapped the line “Say Drake.” Seconds later the camera cut to Williams as she crip walked to the track.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Breaks Records, Surpassing Michael Jackson
Kendrick Lamar has officially rewritten history with his groundbreaking performance at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in 2025. With a staggering 133.5 million viewers, Lamar’s show has dethroned Michael Jackson’s long-standing viewership record of 133.4 million set back in 1993. This monumental achievement not only cements Lamar’s legacy as a cultural icon but also highlights the evolution of the Super Bowl halftime show into a global phenomenon.
Kendrick Lamar vs. Michael Jackson: A Comparison of Two Halftime Legends
Both Kendrick Lamar and Michael Jackson are titans of the music industry, but their Super Bowl performances reflect different eras, audiences, and cultural dynamics. Let’s break down the key comparisons:
1. Viewership Numbers
Kendrick Lamar (2025): 133.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime show in history.
Michael Jackson (1993): 133.4 million viewers, a record that stood for over three decades.
While the difference in numbers is small, Lamar’s performance benefited from modern streaming platforms, social media buzz, and a younger, more digitally engaged audience.
2. Cultural Impact
Michael Jackson: Known as the “King of Pop,” Jackson’s 1993 performance was revolutionary. It marked the first time the Super Bowl halftime show became a major entertainment spectacle, featuring iconic songs like “Billie Jean” and “Black or White.” His performance set the standard for future halftime shows.
Kendrick Lamar: As the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl, Lamar’s 2025 performance was a milestone for hip-hop culture. Featuring hits like “Not Like Us” and guest appearances by Samuel L. Jackson, SZA, and Serena Williams, Lamar’s show brought a mix of powerful visuals and socially conscious themes.
3. Audience Connection
Michael Jackson: His performance appealed to a broad demographic, uniting generations with his universal pop appeal.
Kendrick Lamar: Lamar’s show was tailored to Millennials and Gen Z, with references to modern issues, viral moments, and collaborations with trending artists.
4. Visuals and Production
Michael Jackson: Focused on iconic choreography, a massive stage presence, and crowd participation.
Kendrick Lamar: Combined high-tech visuals, symbolic imagery (like an American flag created by dancers), and a modern aesthetic that resonated with younger audiences.
Why Kendrick Lamar’s Performance Stood Out
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Diverse Guest Lineup: Featuring stars like SZA and Samuel L. Jackson, Lamar’s show was a blend of music, cinema, and sports culture.
Social Media Buzz: Clips from the performance went viral instantly, amplifying its reach beyond traditional TV audiences.
Cultural Relevance: Lamar addressed social issues and personal rivalries (notably with Drake) through his music, making the performance both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The Evolution of Super Bowl Halftime Shows
The Super Bowl halftime show has transformed significantly since Michael Jackson’s era. While Jackson laid the foundation for high-energy, star-studded performances, today’s shows cater to a global audience, with digital platforms like YouTube and TikTok playing a pivotal role in viewership.
Conclusion
While Michael Jackson will forever be remembered as the pioneer who turned the Super Bowl halftime show into a cultural event, Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 performance represents the future. By blending music, social commentary, and cutting-edge visuals, Lamar has set a new benchmark for halftime shows.
Both artists are legends in their own right, but Lamar’s record-breaking performance proves that the Super Bowl halftime show continues to evolve, capturing the spirit of each generation.
