With the countdown already underway for Super Bowl LIX, all eyes are on the headliner of the night: Kendrick Lamar. The talented rapper is preparing to take command of the halftime stage.
Known for his sharp lyrics and unmatched energy, he will create a space where music and sport merge into a unique moment. The big question on fansâ minds is: which song will he perform first?
While the final setlist remains a mystery, the odds point to one of his recent hitsâa track that has gained popularity for its tense lyrics and earned him a Grammy this yearâpotentially opening the show.
Kendrick Lamarâs first song on the Super Bowl Halftime Show
The wait is over, along with the mystery. With the Super Bowl LIX halftime show now behind us, headlined by Kendrick Lamar, the first song the iconic rapper performed was âGNX (teaser song)â.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA perform onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025. (Source: Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
Many had placed bets, and some mentioned that âNot Like Usâ was one of the strongest options. USA Today indicated that he might start with classics like âHUMBLE.â and âDNA.â However, that was not the case.
The NY Post had also mentioned that âNot Like Usâ was one of his most anticipated songs and was expected to be the opening track, with a 91% chance of being included in the setlist. The same went for âAll the Starsâ with SZA.
His incredible hit became mega-popular after some parts of the lyrics went viral, especially those that criticize the singer Drake, with whom he had a beef some time ago. Check out Kendrickâs full setlist from the 2025 Halftime Show:
- GNX (Teaser)
- Squabble Up
- Humble
- DNA
- Euphoria
- Man at the Garden
- Peekaboo
- Luther
- All the Stars
- Not Like Us
- TV Off
