The Super Bowl has long been more than just a championship football game; it’s a cultural touchstone that reflects and influences societal trends. The halftime show, in particular, serves as a barometer for the nation’s cultural and political climate. Kendrick Lamar’s performance at Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, exemplified this dual role, blending entertainment with profound social commentary.
Unless you were a Philadelphia Eagles fan, probably the least exciting thing about Super Bowl LIX, was the actual game that ended in a massive blowout with the Eagles winning 40-22.
A Historic Performance
As the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, Lamar transformed the stage into a powerful exploration of Black identity and resistance. His performance was not just a musical interlude but a cultural statement that resonated beyond the confines of the stadium. Collaborating with artists like SZA, Lamar delivered a show rich in symbolism and artistic expression.
Symbolism and Social Commentary
Lamar’s halftime show was meticulously crafted to convey deeper messages. From his attire to the choreography, every element was imbued with significance. Notably, Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal of Uncle Sam and Serena Williams performing the C-Walk added layers of cultural and political commentary. These choices sparked discussions about representation, systemic issues, and the role of art in societal discourse.
Diverse Reactions
The performance elicited a spectrum of responses. Kid Rock, in an interview on Real Time with Bill Maher, described Lamar’s show as the “epitome of DEI blowing up,” acknowledging its boldness while expressing mixed feelings. This reaction underscores the complex reception such performances can evoke, highlighting differing perspectives on cultural representation and artistic freedom.
Commercials as Cultural Indicators
Beyond the halftime show, Super Bowl commercials have evolved into a platform for brands to engage with deeper societal themes. What was once a showcase of lighthearted humor and celebrity endorsements now often tackles pressing issues such as diversity, mental health, and corporate responsibility. Whether it’s Nike’s commercials addressing racial equality or brands taking a stand on climate change, these ads spark conversations that extend far beyond game night. This shift demonstrates how the Super Bowl has become a stage for not just entertainment but social discourse.
The Super Bowl as a Cultural Mirror
Lamar’s performance and the commercials underscore the Super Bowl’s evolution into a platform that mirrors societal issues and fosters national conversations. While the event remains a pinnacle of sports entertainment, its halftime shows and advertisements have increasingly become stages for artists and brands to address pressing social themes, reflecting the nation’s ongoing dialogues.
A Legacy of Meaningful Performances
Lamar’s show follows a tradition of halftime performances that have carried deeper messages. In 2016, Beyoncé’s Formation performance referenced the Black Lives Matter movement, sparking widespread discussion. In 2020, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez celebrated Latina empowerment and highlighted immigration issues with a poignant performance featuring children in cages. Even as far back as 2004, the infamous Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake “wardrobe malfunction” ignited debates about censorship, media bias, and racial double standards.
More Than a Game
In conclusion, the Super Bowl serves a dual purpose: as a unifying cultural phenomenon and as a reflective surface for contemporary societal challenges. Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 halftime show exemplified this balance, offering entertainment while prompting critical reflection on issues that resonate across the nation. The commercials, halftime shows, and even the public’s reaction to them reveal that the Super Bowl is no longer just about football—it’s a mirror reflecting the complexities of American society.
Isabel Donadio is a Freelance Writer, Bestselling Author, Publisher of Bestselling Books the world around, and the Founder of Top Talent Agency.
