A few months after showcasing his talent on the NFL’s biggest stage, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show continues to receive significant attention. On Tuesday, it was revealed that Lamar’s performance at the halftime show, which aired on Apple Music, earned four nominations at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, scheduled for September 25th.
The halftime show, inspired by Lamar’s hit song “Not Like Us,” has been nominated in categories including Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Musical Direction, and Outstanding Choreography (Variety/Reality). The event, which attracted a record-breaking 133.5 million viewers, was produced by Roc Nation and Jesse Collins Entertainment.
The Compton-born artist’s performance featured tracks from his recent “GNX” albums, such as “Squabble Up,” “Peekaboo,” “TV Off,” and “Luther.” Additionally, Lamar showcased some of his greatest hits like “It’s OK” and “Swimming Pool.” The show also included appearances by SZA and actor Samuel L. Jackson, who portrayed 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.
This Emmy recognition is not new for Lamar; he previously won an Emmy for his Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022, marking the first Super Bowl halftime performance to earn the award. In this year’s Outstanding Variety Special (Live) category, Kendrick Lamar will be competing against Grammy-winning singer Beyoncé, who performed during the NFL Christmas Day matchup featuring the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans.
Beyoncé’s halftime show included new tracks from her “Cowboy Carter” album and featured the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Marching Band alongside the Motion of the Ocean Dance Team. Both Lamar and Beyoncé are currently on major tours, with Kendrick Lamar and SZA on their international “Grand National Tour,” wrapping up in June, and Beyoncé on her “Cowboy Carter” tour.
Fan Take: This recognition of Lamar’s and Beyoncé’s halftime performances underscores how the Super Bowl halftime show has become a cultural moment that transcends sports. For NFL fans, it highlights the fusion of music and football, enhancing the overall entertainment experience and drawing in a broader audience to the sport.
