Serena Williams “died a little” making her surprise appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl half-time show performance on Sunday (09.02.25). The unexpected collaboration became one of the most talked-about moments in recent Super Bowl history, trending worldwide across social media platforms.
The 43-year-old tennis legend delighted fans when she joined the 37-year-old rapper on stage at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans when he performed a censored version of ‘Not Like Us’, his diss track about Drake – who dated the sportswoman in 2011 – and she loved the experience. The Superdome erupted with cheers as the tennis icon made her unexpected entrance.
Shortly after the performance, Serena shared a video on Instagram of her practicing her moves while getting her hair and make-up done. The video quickly went viral, with fans and celebrities alike praising her surprising dance skills.
She captioned the clip: “Let’s go Super Bowl halftime??! I died a little! [dancer emoji] (sic)”
During his 13-minute set, Kendrick had repeatedly teased performing ‘Not Like Us’ before eventually delighting the crowd at the end of his set. The performance marked his first live rendition of the controversial track since its release.
“I want to play their favorite song … but you know they love to sue,” Kendrick said a couple of minutes into his performance. This comment referenced the ongoing legal tensions within the hip-hop community.
Prior to the game, fans wondered whether the ‘Like That’ hitmaker would perform ‘Not Like Us’, after Drake previously filed a defamation lawsuit against his rap rival over lyrics that accuse him of being a sexual predator, which he denies. The high-profile lawsuit has become one of the most discussed topics in entertainment news.
The Grammy-winning star performed ‘Not Like Us‘ at the end of his set, but he opted to censor the most controversial lyrics amid the ongoing legal battle. Industry observers noted this as a calculated decision to avoid further legal complications.
Meanwhile, Kendrick’s show also included performances of ‘Humble’, ‘DNA’, ‘Squabble Up’, ‘Man At The Garden’ and ‘Euphoria’, another Drake diss track. Each song transition was accompanied by elaborate choreography and stunning visual effects.
The rapper arrived on stage atop a black Buick GNX car, the same model his father drove home from hospital after Kendrick was born in June 1987. The vintage vehicle added a meaningful personal touch to the spectacular production.
He was later joined on stage by SZA as they performed their hits ‘All the Stars’ and ‘Luther’, together, while Samuel L Jackson played host as Uncle Sam, praising the duo. The elaborate stage setup transformed throughout the performance, featuring multiple levels and moving platforms.
“That’s what I’m talking about. That’s what America wants, nice and calm,” the actor said at one point. Jackson’s appearance marked his first-ever Super Bowl performance in his long-standing career.
Kendrick’s performance marked the first time that a solo rapper had headlined the Super Bowl, and his efforts were watched by a host of big names from the world of entertainment, including Sir Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Ice Spice, Paul Rudd, and Bradley Cooper. The star-studded audience added to the event’s prestigious atmosphere.
The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22, thereby denying the Chiefs an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl victory. The game attracted viewers from around the globe, cementing its place as one of the year’s most-watched television events.
The halftime show showcased an impressive display of technical innovation, featuring state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. Music industry experts predict the performance will significantly boost streaming numbers for both Kendrick Lamar and SZA in the coming weeks, while also highlighting the growing influence of hip-hop culture in mainstream entertainment.
The collaboration between Williams and Lamar has already sparked discussions about potential future projects, with fans eagerly anticipating more crossovers between sports and music celebrities. The performance has been widely praised for breaking traditional boundaries and creating an unforgettable Super Bowl moment.
