Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Historic Triumph or Cultural Clash?

With a staggering 133.5 million viewers, Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance at Super Bowl LIX has officially set a new record, becoming the most-watched halftime show in the history of this iconic sporting event. This achievement is undeniable, reflecting the immense appeal of the legendary rapper, who delivered a performance that captivated audiences across the globe. According to a report from Roc Nation, this milestone shattered previous records, underscoring the powerful cultural influence Kendrick Lamar holds, not only as a musical artist but as a cultural figure that transcends genres.

A Groundbreaking Surge on Spotify

Kendrick Lamar’s performance didn’t just dominate TV screens—it also triggered a massive surge in his streaming numbers across platforms. According to Spotify, his track “Not Like Us” experienced a mind-blowing 430% increase in streams following his halftime show at Super Bowl 2025. This surge highlights the tremendous impact the Super Bowl performance had on his music consumption, showcasing just how deeply connected Kendrick is with his audience. In addition to this, the streams of nine other songs he performed during the show also saw a double-digit boost, with a total overall increase of 175% across all tracks, according to data provided by the streaming service.

The Impact of SZA’s Guest Appearance

One of the standout moments of the performance was Kendrick Lamar’s collaboration with SZA, which not only amplified the show’s brilliance but also contributed significantly to a surge in SZA’s own streaming numbers. After the performance, SZA’s streaming numbers in the U.S. jumped by 80% on Spotify. This spike reflects the undeniable chemistry between the two artists and how their combined influence resonated with the Super Bowl audience. Kendrick and SZA’s dynamic performance didn’t just light up the stage; it illuminated the streaming charts as well, proving that their collaboration is a cultural force to be reckoned with.

Noel Gallagher’s Criticism of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Show

Despite the overwhelming success of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance, not everyone was impressed. Noel Gallagher, the Oasis frontman, publicly criticized the show, calling it “absolute nonsense.” Gallagher, who is gearing up for a highly anticipated reunion tour, expressed his dissatisfaction with the halftime performance in a conversation with the British sports radio station TalkSport. According to Gallagher, he found the performance so disjointed and underwhelming that he couldn’t stomach it for long. “I had to switch it off. It was absolute nonsense,” the 57-year-old rock star stated, adding that he didn’t even watch the show in its entirety. “There were like 300 people getting out of a car in the first two minutes,” he quipped, mocking the chaotic nature of the spectacle.

Gallagher’s Discontent with Halftime Shows in General

Gallagher further elaborated on his general disdain for halftime shows, stating that he wasn’t a fan of any of the performances that have been held over the years. “I don’t like the halftime nonsense; it’s usually artists I don’t like,” he declared. His criticism isn’t limited to Kendrick Lamar’s performance alone; he took aim at the very idea of mixing music with sports. Gallagher openly admitted that he never watches the halftime shows and has no interest in them, calling them a distraction from the actual game.

A Broader Critique of American Influence in Sports

In an even more controversial statement, Gallagher expressed his concerns about the growing influence of American culture on British sports. He argued that the blending of music and sports at events like the Super Bowl represents an invasive Americanization of the global sporting landscape. “Americans are taking over our sport,” Gallagher lamented, voicing his belief that the increasing presence of American-style halftime entertainment would eventually infiltrate other major European sports events. “They’re taking over the Premier League; they’ll take over the Champions League; trust me, 20 years from now it will all be nonsense,” he said, signaling his belief that British sports are losing their identity under the influence of American entertainment culture.

Kendrick Lamar’s Performance vs. Gallagher’s Critique: A Clash of Perspectives

Despite Gallagher’s scathing remarks, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Kevin Lamar’s halftime show at Super Bowl LIX remains a historic moment in pop culture. With 133.5 million viewers, Lamar’s performance redefined what a Super Bowl halftime show could be, blending rap, artistry, and spectacle into a one-of-a-kind performance. The numbers speak for themselves, and the massive streaming boost for Kendrick Lamar and SZA only solidifies the impact of the show. Whether or not Gallagher and others share the same enthusiasm, Kendrick’s performance has set a new benchmark for Super Bowl entertainment, one that will be remembered for years to come.

The Enduring Appeal of Hip-Hop Culture in Super Bowl

Kendrick Lamar’s performance, while a point of contention for some, undeniably highlighted the power of hip-hop culture in the mainstream. It was a moment of cultural significance, proving that rap and hip-hop have a massive influence not only on the music industry but also on the broader cultural and sporting landscapes. The show wasn’t just about the music; it was a statement that the artistry of hip-hop is now firmly embedded in the cultural fabric of major events like the Super Bowl.

What’s Next for Kendrick Lamar and Hip-Hop’s Role in Sports?

The immense success of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX performance has set the stage for more opportunities for hip-hop to dominate even bigger platforms. With streaming numbers skyrocketing and his position as one of the leading figures in music cemented, Kendrick Lamar’s influence shows no signs of waning. As hip-hop continues to grow in prominence, we can only expect more artists from the genre to take center stage at major events, further proving that rap and hip-hop are no longer just musical genres—they are now powerful cultural movements with a global reach.

In conclusion, while some, like Noel Gallagher, may criticize the melding of music and sports, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance demonstrated the enduring appeal of his artistry. Whether through the historic viewership numbers, the surge in streaming, or the cultural impact, Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show will go down as one of the most iconic performances in Super Bowl history.