Kendrick Lamar’s Superbowl Halftime show was one man’s perspective of Trump’s America, but a visually unappealing performance for the big stage.
Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to making bold artistic statements, and his Super Bowl Halftime Show was no exception. Kendrick’s performance was a commentary on America’s cultural divide, using symbolism, politically charged lyrics, and Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam. Despite the strong message, the performance lacked the visual spectacle expected from a Super Bowl show. It felt more like a Marvel film packed with Easter eggs for Kendrick fans than an electrifying musical event for millions of viewers.
Visually plain performance for the big stage
Super Bowl halftime shows are known for their grand visuals, over-the-top sets, and high-energy choreography. Kendrick’s approach was much more stripped down, focusing on symbolism rather than spectacle. While the four-shaped stage was unique, it didn’t make a strong visual impact. The lighting remained simple, relying mostly on white lights; and while effective, it could have been more dynamic.
If you watched in Australian on ESPN or 7 the broadcast quality suffered. Though filmed in 4K HDR, it was aired on 1080p significantly reducing its visual appeal. Details like jewellery on Kendrick, stage elements, and lighting effects lost their intended brilliance, making the show look like an unfinished student project rather than a high-budget performance.
Symbolism and political themes
Kendrick’s halftime show was rich with symbolism, reinforcing his critiques of injustice in America. Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal of Uncle Sam personified the forces Kendrick often pushes against in his music. At one point, Uncle Sam criticised Lamar for not “playing the game” before leading into ‘HUMBLE.’ — a moment that reinforced the ongoing tension between societal expectations and artistic integrity.
The split American flag in the background highlighted the country’s cultural and political divide, while songs like ‘DNA.’ nodded to Kendrick’s exploration of Black identity in America. This strong stance is what was expected from Kendrick when he was announced to play the Super Bowl. I do agree that the use of Uncle Sam was a creative tool to portray American powers and ignorance, but beyond that it didn’t feel like we got anything new from Kendrick that his music hasn’t already told us.
Vocals and sound issues
One of the biggest disappointments of the performance was the vocal quality. Kendrick’s microphone audio sounded distant and unpolished, almost like a Zoom call, reducing the impact of his delivery. This issue became more noticeable when compared to SZA’s guest performance. Her vocals were crystal clear and polished, making Kendrick’s audio seem even weaker in contrast.
Censorship also played a role in the sound issues. Modern hip-hop performances are often adjusted for television, but the way lyrics were altered in ‘HUMBLE.’ and other tracks made the audio feel choppy. The abrupt muting of certain words disrupted the show’s flow, making it feel as though the TV broadcast was stuttering rather than delivering a smooth experience.
Kendrick’s presence vs. the stadium energy
One of the key differences between Kendrick’s performance and other Super Bowl shows was the energy. While artists like Beyoncé or The Weeknd have commanded the stage with high-impact performances, Kendrick’s presence felt subdued. I will admit that the crowd energy did come alive during the performance of ‘Not Like Us’, Kendrick’s biggest hit where he won multiple GRAMMYs.
Cutting to wide stadium shots, while necessary in live broadcasts, took away from the intimacy and power of Kendrick’s storytelling. Instead of filling every second with engaging content, there were moments that felt underwhelming, making it easy for casual viewers to tune out. For the biggest performance internationally it would be expected to have every second filled with some sort of content for the 13 minute show. As well, the switch to handheld at key moments was jarring and almost nausea inducing.
A love letter to Kendrick fans, but a hard sell for everyone else
For fans of Kendrick Lamar, this halftime show was filled with references and callbacks to his past work. From the dancers’ red and black colour scheme mirroring the ‘HUMBLE.’ cover, to the use of a light pole from ‘Alright’, the performance felt like a deep dive into his catalogue. Even the appearance of SZA and the inclusion of ‘All the Stars’ reinforced this feeling.
For the general Super Bowl audience the show lacked a universal appeal. Instead of delivering a straightforward, high-energy performance, Kendrick crafted a conceptual piece that required prior knowledge of his music to fully appreciate. As a result, it may have felt more like a Marvel film rather than an electrifying halftime show.
The verdict
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was a thought provoking and culturally significant performance, weaving together political themes, symbolism, and a carefully curated track list. However, while it succeeded in making a statement, it fell short as a Super Bowl spectacle.
The muted visuals, underwhelming audio quality, and lack of stadium energy made it feel more niche than universally engaging. For Kendrick fans, it was a rewarding experience packed with hidden messages. For casual viewers, it was a visually plain performance that lacked the high-energy excitement expected from the Super Bowl stage.