Kendrick Lamar Makes History with Super Bowl LIX Performance and Earns Second Emmy

Kendrick Lamar set a new benchmark with his Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show earlier this year. The Compton rapper’s performance became the most-watched in NFL history, drawing 133.5 million viewers. The record had been held since 1993 by Michael Jackson, whose Super Bowl Halftime Show attracted 133.4 million viewers.

During the show, Kendrick performed hits including “Humble,” “DNA,” “Euphoria,” and a live rendition of his Drake diss track “Not Like Us.” The performance drew widespread attention and was later referenced in Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group.

Kendrick has now earned his second Emmy for the explosive halftime show. Pitchfork reports that he received the award for Outstanding Music Direction alongside musical director Tony Russell. The show was also nominated in three additional categories: Choreography (Variety/Reality), Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special, and Outstanding Variety Special (Live).

Kendrick’s first Emmy came in 2022 for the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show, which featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and 50 Cent. He and musical director Adam Blackstone were honored for Outstanding Variety Special (Live).

This second Emmy adds to Kendrick’s recent achievements. He is currently the only rapper in 2025 to have a song chart on the Billboard Hot 100 every week so far. Tracks like “Luther” featuring SZA, “TV Off,” “Peekaboo,” and “Not Like Us” have contributed to this streak, further cementing his dominance in music this year.

Kendrick Lamar continues to redefine live performance standards and chart success, combining cultural impact with critical acclaim.