As the Eagles prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LVII in New Orleans, they’ll not only be chasing their second Vince Lombardi Trophy but also marking the fifth time their game coincides with a Super Bowl halftime show. Over the years, these halftime spectacles have evolved into a major part of the Super Bowl experience, and this year, Kendrick Lamar and SZA will headline the high-profile event.
The halftime show has grown into one of the most-watched performances globally, with last year’s show featuring Usher drawing a record-breaking 123.4 million viewers in the U.S. alone. In comparison, the Grammy Awards—marketed as “Music’s biggest night”—attracted just 15.4 million viewers. It’s clear that the Super Bowl provides a stage unlike any other for musicians, with Lamar and SZA now stepping into the spotlight.
The Eagles’ Super Bowl history dates back to 1981, and their first appearance was marked by a halftime performance from the Southern University Marching Band and big band singer Helen O’Connell. Over the years, halftime shows have transformed, especially after the 1990s, when stars like Gloria Estefan and Michael Jackson began to take the stage. The 2005 Eagles-Super Bowl matchup saw Paul McCartney perform, providing a controversy-free show in contrast to the infamous wardrobe malfunction that occurred the year before.
When the Eagles returned to the Super Bowl in 2018, Justin Timberlake was chosen to headline. His performance, though underwhelming for some, did feature a tribute to Prince through a projected duet, coinciding with a historic 41-33 victory for the Eagles. Now, as the Eagles face off against the Chiefs again, we’re in the midst of the Jay-Z Era of halftime shows—an era dominated by R&B, hip-hop, and Latin pop, with artists like Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and last year’s Dr. Dre-Snoop Dogg collaboration setting the bar high.
In 2023, Rihanna delivered an unforgettable performance at the Super Bowl, showcasing musicality and precision, especially considering she was pregnant at the time. As we look ahead to the Eagles’ rematch with the Chiefs, all eyes are now on Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, alongside SZA, will not only be a major musical spectacle but also offer a preview of their upcoming “Grand National Tour,” which will make its way to Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field in May. Lamar, known for his integrity and artistic depth—having won a Pulitzer Prize—brings a rare level of prestige to the halftime stage. His performance comes at the perfect moment following his Grammy sweep earlier this month, which saw him take home five awards.
Lamar’s last major performance in Philly during his 2022 “The Big Steppers Tour” showed he’s a master at commanding a crowd without sacrificing the gravity of his art. With just 12 to 13 minutes to perform, Lamar is more than capable of captivating the global audience, and fans can expect surprise guest appearances.
Among the likely guests are Lamar’s nephew Baby Keem, who he has toured with and collaborated with on “Family Ties,” as well as Metro Boomin and Future, with whom he worked on last year’s hit “Like That.” But one of the most likely collaborators is New Orleans native Lil Wayne. While Wayne didn’t get the Super Bowl halftime gig he hoped for, Lamar’s history with Wayne—who was featured on “Wacced Out Murals” from Lamar’s GNX album—makes a collaboration between the two a strong possibility.
Though speculation is high, Lamar and SZA’s performance promises to be a highlight of the Super Bowl experience. Eagles fans, hopefully celebrating a dominant first half, will be eagerly watching, knowing that this Super Bowl halftime show could be one for the books.
And while rumors swirl about potential guest appearances, one thing’s for sure: Kendrick Lamar and SZA will deliver a memorable halftime performance, whether or not Lil Wayne joins them in the Big Easy.
