Kendrick Lamar has officially made history, delivering a Super Bowl halftime show that has now become the most-watched of all time. According to Roc Nation and Fox Sports, Lamar’s electrifying performance at Super Bowl LIX drew an astonishing 133.5 million viewers, narrowly surpassing Michael Jackson’s 1993 record of 133.4 million. The achievement solidifies Lamar’s place as the first solo rapper to headline the event and cements his influence on music and pop culture.

The 2025 Super Bowl itself broke records as the most-watched in history, with an estimated 126 million viewers tuning in for the game, which saw the Philadelphia Eagles claim victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Viewership peaked at 137.7 million just before halftime, as anticipation for Lamar’s performance reached its highest point, according to Nielsen fast national figures and Tubi/NFL first-party analytics.

Lamar, who recently dominated the Grammy Awards with five wins, delivered a halftime show that instantly went viral. His setlist featured a mix of his greatest hits, including the Grammy-winning diss track “Not Like Us,” which references his highly publicized feud with Drake. The performance also included notable guest appearances from Samuel L. Jackson, SZA, and Serena Williams, adding to the spectacle.

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One of the show’s most talked-about moments was Lamar’s dancers forming an American flag during his song “HUMBLE.,” creating a powerful visual statement. His ability to merge music with meaningful imagery resonated with audiences and sparked conversations across social media platforms.

The NFL’s decision to feature artists like Lamar and Usher in recent halftime shows signals a shift towards attracting younger audiences. A 2024 Deloitte survey revealed that Gen Z viewers increasingly prefer social video and live streaming over traditional television broadcasts, pushing the league to book artists who appeal to this demographic.

Apple Music, which took over as the halftime show sponsor in 2023, has also played a role in reshaping the event. Oliver Schusser, vice president of Apple Music and Beats, emphasized that their goal isn’t just viewership numbers but creating a global, long-lasting cultural moment. “We want it to be about more than just that Sunday night. There is a bigger story to tell before and after,” Schusser stated.

Following his historic Super Bowl performance, Lamar is set to embark on the Grand National Tour alongside SZA in April, with plans to perform in major stadiums across the U.S., U.K., and Europe. With his latest milestone, it’s clear that Lamar’s influence in music and culture continues to expand, setting the stage for what could be another record-breaking year in his career.