How Super Bowl 2025 Went Down 

The Super Bowl is more than just a football game; it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings together sports, entertainment, and advertising in a way no other event can. Super Bowl LIX, held on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, was no exception.

From Kendrick Lamar’s polarizing halftime show to the dominance of AI in commercials and the Philadelphia Eagles’ crushing victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, this year’s Super Bowl was a rollercoaster of highs and lows.

Kendrick Lamar’s Bold Statement  

Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, a milestone for hip-hop culture.

However, his performance was met with mixed reviews. While some praised his artistic vision and political undertones, others found it underwhelming.

Lamar opened with a dramatic entrance alongside Samuel L. Jackson, who played “Uncle Sam,” setting the tone for a performance steeped in Americana and social commentary. The dancers formed an American flag, only to deconstruct it, symbolizing the complexities of the nation’s identity.

Lamar’s setlist leaned heavily on his recent work, including tracks from his 2024 album GNX, such as “squabble up” and “man at the garden.”

While these songs resonated with his core fans, they left casual viewers craving more familiar hits like “HUMBLE.” and “DNA.”

The inclusion of SZA for “All the Stars” added a touch of elegance, but her performance felt canned, lacking the spontaneity that makes live shows memorable.

The highlight of the show was undoubtedly “Not Like Us,” Lamar’s scathing diss track aimed at Drake.

The crowd erupted as Serena Williams joined the stage, C-walking in a symbolic nod to Lamar’s Compton roots. Yet, the decision to end with the lesser-known “tv off” left many viewers feeling anticlimactic.

Lamar’s performance was a bold artistic statement, but it struggled to balance his avant-garde vision with the mainstream appeal the Super Bowl demands.

The Game: Eagles Soar, Chiefs Stumble  

On the field, the Philadelphia Eagles delivered a masterclass, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 24-0 in a surprisingly one-sided game.

The Eagles’ defense was relentless, shutting down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense at every turn. This victory marked a historic moment for the Eagles, solidifying their place as one of the NFL’s elite teams.

Tom Brady, in his first year as a Fox Sports analyst, provided a candid reflection on the Chiefs’ struggles, drawing from his own experiences of Super Bowl losses. His insights added depth to the broadcast, though his commentary style remains a work in progress.

AI Takes Center Stage in Advertising  

This year’s Super Bowl was dubbed the “AI Super Bowl,” with tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Meta showcasing their latest innovations.

OpenAI’s debut commercial highlighted ChatGPT’s capabilities, while Google promoted its Gemini language model. Meta’s ad for AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses and Salesforce’s AI customer assistant further underscored the growing influence of AI in everyday life.

One of the most talked-about ads was Holland America’s AI-generated commercial, which used cutting-edge technology to create stunning visuals.

However, the reliance on AI also sparked debates about the future of creativity and human involvement in content production.

Cultural Impact and Controversy  

Beyond the game and the ads, Super Bowl 2025 sparked conversations about representation and diversity.

Lamar’s performance, while groundbreaking, reignited debates about the NFL’s audience and whether the halftime show should cater to a broader demographic.

Some viewers criticized the lack of crossover appeal, while others celebrated Lamar’s unapologetic celebration of Black culture.

The inclusion of Samuel L. Jackson as “Uncle Sam” added a layer of political commentary, with some praising the symbolism and others dismissing it as empty theatrics.

Similarly, Serena Williams’ cameo was a highlight for many, but it also highlighted the ongoing feud between Lamar and Drake, adding a layer of drama to the event.