The Music Fan’s Guide to Super Bowl LIX

ABLUpdated 2 weeks Ago2 Mins read20

Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Getty Images

The Super Bowl is the quintessential American event because it’s got a little something for everybody: football for the sports fans, ads featuring Catherine O’Hara for the comedy fans, a wild assortment of associated dips for the foodies, A-list music performances for anyone who has access to Apple Music. Last year, 123.7 million people tuned in to see Ursher, baby. This year, expect the same, but with Kendrick Lamar and on Tubi. For the music lovers among us, here’s a guide to the performances at the 2025 Super Bowl, from “Lift Every Voice and Sing” through the halftime show.

Who’s singing the national anthem?

2022’s Grammy Album of the Year winner Jon Batiste will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” this year at the game. As fans of his Grammys performance of “Freedom” will remember, Batiste is a Nola native with a voice like butter, so we expect a pitch-perfect performance, as is the uzh from him.

Who else is performing pre-kickoff?

Before the game even gets started, there are three classic ballad performances that kick it off: the national anthem, yes, but also “America the Beautiful” and the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” This year, all three songs will be performed by Louisiana natives in celebration of host city New Orleans. Trombone Shorty will play “America the Beautiful” with country singer Lauren Daigle, and Ledisi will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” These performances will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Who is performing at the tailgate?

YouTube has an official pregame tailgate performance, for those interested, and that will be on at 4 p.m. ET on the NFL’s YouTube channel. Beyoncé Bowl alum Post Malone will be the performer with a Bud Light in hand.

Is anyone performing with Kendrick Lamar during the halftime show?

For the first time in Super Bowl history, a Pulitzer Prize winner will perform during the halftime show — and he’s bringing out SZA! That much we know for sure, based on the promo and the fact that they’re about to go on tour together. Keke Palmer and Issa Rae asked SZA to bring them out (the three have a movie out together), and we’re not banking on that, but we are hopeful. The name on everybody’s lips, however, is obviously still Taylor Swift. Mostly because her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, is playing in the game again, but also because of her song “Bad Blood” with Lamar. Could she be making a surprise appearance? (No, but theorize away, Swifties!) Some people also theorized that Tyler, the Creator could be a guest, based on the fact that he released a football-themed promo for his track “STICKY,” until Tyler commented, “N- – -a im on tour i will not be at football game yall better watch kenny” on Instagram. Still, with Tyler, just about anything can be a troll, so we don’t trust the lineup until the show is well and done.

Based on previous years, the halftime show will start around 8:15 p.m. ET.

So no Lil Wayne?

Not happening. But he did just announce a new album via lotion commercial!