Kendrick Lamar has been announced as the headline act for next year's Super Bowl half-time show.
The NFL has confirmed that American rapper Lamar will be the star of the half-time show at Super Bowl LIX, to be staged at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 9.
Lamar previously featured in the half-time show at Super Bowl LVI in 2021, which was headlined by Dr. Dre, Eminem and Snoop Dogg.
Mary J. Blige and 50 Cent also featured in that star-studded show, which wowed fans shortly before the Los Angeles Rams were crowned NFL champions in their home stadium in Inglewood, California with victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
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On Sunday, the NFL, Roc Nation, Apple Music and Lamar himself confirmed that he would headline the 2025 show after cementing his status as one of the most popular musicians in the world.
"Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I'll be there to remind the world why," Lamar said in a statement.
"They got the right one."
Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation co-produces the half-time show, added in a statement: "Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer.
"His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick's work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come."
Despite his legendary status, Lamar is only set to earn a small fee for his Super Bowl performance.
According to CBS News, performers only receive a minimum fee which is guaranteed in a union contract.
The NFL has a long-standing policy of only paying a union fee for half-time performers, with the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, Prince, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney essentially playing for free in previous years.
Reporting earlier this year on Usher's fee for the Super Bowl LVIII half-time show, CBS estimated he would receive around $1,000 (£761) a day - based on the most recent contract from the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists union.
So why do hugely popular artists agree to perform for such a (relatively) small fee? Entertainment attorney Lori Landew of Fox Rothschild explained to Forbes in 2019 why so many legendary musicians agree to such unusual terms.
"The halftime show at the Super Bowl remains a highly coveted spot for many artists," Landew said.
"Some of those artists do not see their appearance as a political statement, nor do they see the show as a cultural battleground, but rather view their live performance as an opportunity to entertain an enthusiastic crowd and to share their music and their talent with millions of viewers."
Topics: Super Bowl, NFL
Rory O'Callaghan