Kendrick Lamar shattered records with his Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, attracting a staggering 133.5 million viewers.
This monumental viewership surpasses the previous record held by Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance, which had 133 million viewers. Moreover, the overall Super Bowl LIX broadcast also broke records, with FOX Sports noting an average of 126 million viewers during the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs showdown.
What made Kendrick Lamar’s performance truly unique was its cinematic and theatrical flair. As Dave Free, co-founder of pgLang, explained to the Wall Street Journal, the team wanted to convey the essence of Black America through the performance. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Beyoncé, Prince, and Michael Jackson, Kendrick’s show was a fresh narrative of what it means to be Black in America.
The carefully curated setlist wasn’t about showcasing popular hits but rather featured tracks addressing specific themes and messages. Among these were some pointed digs at fellow rapper Drake. During the performance, Kendrick humorously referenced Drake’s legal woes with Universal Music Group, highlighting the contentious relationship with lines that had the audience buzzing.
Kendrick’s performance didn’t just break viewership records; it sparked conversations. From its aesthetic elements to the deeper messages, this halftime show was unlike any other. It was both a visual spectacle and a statement, reflecting the artist’s vision and the cultural dynamics he wished to explore.
Interestingly, the opportunity for Kendrick to perform came from a call by JAY-Z, who has had a hand in organizing the halftime shows since 2020. Initially uncertain about Kendrick’s involvement, given his appearance three years prior during Dr. Dre’s star-studded performance, the timing seemed just right.
Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance wasn’t just record-breaking; it was transformative, setting a new standard for what such shows can achieve in viewership and cultural significance.
