The 2025 Super Bowl set a new milestone in television history, drawing an unprecedented 126 million viewers, with a peak of 137.7 million just before halftime.
But the true spectacle of the night wasn’t just the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
It was Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying halftime performance, which became the most-watched in history.
According to Roc Nation, Lamar’s halftime show amassed an astonishing 133.5 million viewers, surpassing Michael Jackson’s legendary 1993 performance.
Which previously held the record with 133.4 million viewers.
This feat cemented Lamar’s place in history as the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, a groundbreaking moment for hip-hop on the world’s biggest stage.
Record-breaking performance
Lamar, a 2018 Pulitzer Prize winner, delivered a stunning setlist, performing 12 songs that defined his career.
The rapper’s five-time Grammy-winning track, Not Like Us, a diss song aimed at fellow artist Drake, took center stage.
His performance was more than just music—it was a statement.
Backed by a mesmerizing stage design and powerful choreography, Lamar’s dancers created striking visual imagery, including an American flag formation during HUMBLE.
The energy was electric, and the performance resonated far beyond the stadium.
“We’ve broken the record again!
The most-watched Apple Music Halftime Show EVER, with 133.5 million viewers,” Apple Music and Roc Nation celebrated on Instagram.
Lamar’s show even outperformed the game itself, which averaged 126 million viewers, solidifying his cultural impact.
The night saw appearances from A-list stars, including Samuel L. Jackson, SZA, Serena Williams, and Mustard.
Lamar dominated the stage with hits from his 2024 Billboard 200-topping album GNX.
Fan favorites like Squabble Up, Peekaboo, Luther (featuring SZA), and TV Off fueled the crowd’s excitement.
Recent Super Bowl halftime performances have leaned heavily on artists like Lamar and Usher, whose generational appeal has drawn record-breaking audiences.
Usher’s 2024 show garnered 121 million viewers, but Lamar’s 133.5 million set a new bar.
