The Super Bowl LIX, held on February 10, 2025, was not just a spectacle of athletic prowess but also a showcase of entertainment and advertising ingenuity. Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance captivated audiences, while a series of high-profile commercials added to the evening’s excitement.
Kendrick Lamar took center stage, delivering a performance that was both a musical tour de force and a political statement. The rapper, known for his poignant lyrics and dynamic stage presence, did not disappoint. Meanwhile, advertisers pulled out all the stops, featuring celebrities and innovative concepts to capture the attention of millions watching worldwide.
Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show
Kendrick Lamar’s performance was a highlight of the evening, blending his hits with powerful imagery. Opening with tracks from his acclaimed albums, Lamar was joined by SZA for a mesmerizing rendition of their “Black Panther” hit, All the Stars. The performance was punctuated by a political statement, as dancers formed an American flag with Black faces, challenging stereotypes and criticisms often leveled at rap music.
Lamar’s set was not without controversy. During his performance, a protester briefly interrupted the show by unfurling a Palestinian flag with “Sudan” and “Gaza” written on it, before being swiftly removed by security. This incident, while brief, highlighted the charged atmosphere surrounding the event.
“They tried to rig the game but you can’t fake influence,” Lamar declared, echoing the themes of resistance and authenticity that permeate his work.
The Night’s Most Talked-About Commercials
Super Bowl commercials are as anticipated as the game itself, and this year was no exception. Advertisers leveraged star power and cultural references to leave a lasting impression.
Celebrity Cameos and Cultural References
In one of the evening’s standout ads, Cher turned back time for Uber Eats, tapping into the pop culture meme of her timelessness. Meanwhile, Walton Goggins endorsed GoDaddy’s AI service, Airo, humorously comparing AI’s capabilities to human creativity.
David Beckham and Matt Damon shared the screen in a cinematic ad, revealing Beckham’s fictional long-lost brother, “Other David.” The ad cleverly played on themes of family and camaraderie, while also poking fun at celebrity culture.
Harrison Ford appeared in a Jeep ad, channeling his “Yellowstone” era persona. The commercial, with its patriotic undertones, featured American soldiers and the Rocky Mountains, adding a layer of national pride to the brand’s message.
Social and Environmental Messages
Not all ads focused on humor or celebrity. Dove’s commercial tackled body positivity, urging viewers to reconsider how they talk to young girls about their bodies. The ad highlighted a stark statistic:
One in two girls who quit sports do so because of body criticism.
A climate change ad aired by Science Moms and the Potential Energy Coalition delivered a sobering message about the urgency of environmental action. Though it aired only in Los Angeles and on streaming platforms, its impact was amplified by the evening’s massive audience.
Impact and Reactions
The Super Bowl’s blend of sports, music, and advertising continues to be a cultural touchstone, reflecting and shaping societal trends. Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show, with its mix of entertainment and activism, resonated with viewers, sparking discussions on social media about its themes and execution.
The commercials, too, sparked conversations, with many praising their creativity and relevance. From AI endorsements to body positivity messages, the ads reflected a diverse array of topics, engaging viewers on multiple levels.
As the dust settles on Super Bowl LIX, the event’s broader implications continue to unfold. Advertisers will analyze the effectiveness of their campaigns, while artists like Kendrick Lamar will see their cultural influence further cemented.
Looking ahead, the Super Bowl remains a powerful platform for both brands and performers, offering a unique opportunity to reach a global audience with messages that entertain, provoke, and inspire.
