Kendrick Lamar will have to follow strict Super Bowl rules if he wants to avoid legal action
Topics: Music, Super Bowl, Kendrick Lamar, Sport
Gregory Robinson
Featured Image Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Topics: Music, Super Bowl, Kendrick Lamar, Sport
Kendrick Lamar will soon perform at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show but before taking to the stage he'll have to follow a list of strict rules.
As one of the biggest nights in music (and sport, I guess), there’s usually as much hype around the halftime show as the game itself.
This year, the Super Bowl will be played by two-time defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The teams will battle it out at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on 9 February.
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There’s a lot to look forward to at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show. Kendrick Lamar has a number of hits in his repertoire to choose from. From 'Alright', 'Humble', and his Black Panther soundtrack single 'All the Stars' with SZA to name a few. His fans, plus Drake who definitely is not a fan these days, will also be waiting to see if the LA rapper will perform his Grammy-winning hit 'Not Like Us'.
Kendrick Lamar won't get paid for his performance but the NFL will pay for production costs. The coveted slot lasts between 12 to 15 minutes and despite being much shorter than a concert, it gives artists massive exposure.
But this perk also comes with its own set of rules and regulations.
Firstly, songs must be shortened in order to make the medley format work. "You're just running around for 13 minutes, trying to put like a two-hour set for 13 minutes," 2023 headliner Rihanna said at a press conference, via Billboard.
Second, inappropriate gestures can land artists in a lot of trouble. Rap music is often filled with explicit language, however, this is not permitted at the halftime show. Rapper M.I.A. received a fine after displaying the middle finger during her performance with Super Bowl XLVI headliner Madonna. The queen of pop was performing her latest hit, Give Me All Your Luvin', which features both M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj.
M.I.A.'s rude gesture led to a $16.6 million fine courtesy of the NFL.
The two parties settled the dispute behind the scenes in 2014 for an undisclosed amount.
Another one includes performers being ready to hit in the stage in just six minutes.
Lastly, as the late musician formerly known as Prince was aware, the show must go on regardless of the weather. When the 'Purple Rain' rock star graced the halftime show stage in 2007, it rained and poured.
Kendrick Lamar is widely known for his political statements and it remains to be seen the kind of message he will present during his halftime show.