The Super Bowl halftime show isn’t just a break from the game—it’s a global spectacle. Millions of viewers tune in, some for the football, but many just for the performance. Every year, the NFL delivers a blockbuster show, featuring top artists in music.
For Super Bowl LIX, Kendrick Lamar will take center stage, with SZA as a special guest. If you’re wondering when it starts, who’s performing, and how to watch for free, this guide has all the details.
What Time is the Super Bowl Halftime Show 2025?
Super Bowl LIX is set for Sunday, February 9, 2025, with kickoff at 6:30 PM Eastern Time. Halftime usually begins around 8:00 PM Eastern Time, depending on the game’s pace.
Here’s an estimated halftime start time in different time zones:
- Eastern Time (ET): 8:00 PM
- Central Time (CT): 7:00 PM
- Mountain Time (MT): 6:00 PM
- Pacific Time (PT): 5:00 PM
- Alaska Time (AKST): 4:00 PM
- Hawaii Time (HST): 3:00 PM
- United Kingdom (GMT): 1:00 AM (Monday, Feb 10)
- Canada (ET): 8:00 PM (same as U.S. Eastern Time)
- Australia (AEDT): 12:00 PM (Monday, Feb 10)
Since halftime comes after the second quarter, the exact timing depends on how long the first half lasts.
How Long is the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
A normal NFL halftime is 12 to 15 minutes, but the Super Bowl halftime show is much longer. This extended break lasts about 25 to 30 minutes, giving enough time for the elaborate stage setup and live performance.
The actual show runs 12 to 15 minutes, packed with high-energy performances, choreography, and special effects.
Who is Performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show 2025?
This year, Kendrick Lamar will headline the show, joined by SZA as a guest performer.
Lamar is known for his intense stage presence and powerful lyrics, making this one of the most anticipated Super Bowl halftime shows in recent years. His last Super Bowl performance was in 2022, where he appeared alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige.
SZA, a Grammy-winning R&B artist, is no stranger to collaborations with Lamar. Fans may get to hear their hit song “All the Stars” live on the Super Bowl stage.
Pregame Performances
Before kickoff, a few other artists will take the stage:
- Jon Batiste will sing the National Anthem.
- Trombone Shorty & Lauren Daigle will perform “America the Beautiful.”
- Ledisi will deliver “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
This year’s halftime show will be extra special as the Super Bowl takes place in New Orleans, a city rich in music history. Expect hints of jazz, soul, and hip-hop influences throughout the event.
Do Super Bowl Halftime Performers Get Paid?
Super Bowl halftime performers don’t get paid a performance fee. The NFL covers all production costs, which can exceed $13 million, but the artists don’t receive direct payment.
Instead, the halftime show provides massive exposure. For example, after Usher’s 2024 performance, his Spotify streams increased by 550%. Similarly, Rihanna’s 2023 halftime show led to an 833% jump in Fenty Beauty sales.
For artists, this is less about money and more about the prestige and career boost that comes with performing on the world’s biggest stage.
What Channel is the Super Bowl Halftime Show On?
The Super Bowl and halftime show will air on major networks worldwide.
United States
FOX will broadcast the game, and Tubi will provide free live streaming.
United Kingdom
ITV1 will air the game, with ITVX offering free streaming.
Canada
The game will be on CTV and TSN, with DAZN offering a streaming option.
Australia
Channel Seven will show the game on TV, while 7Plus will stream it live.
Mexico
Canal 5, Canal 7, ESPN, and FOX Sports will carry the game, while NFL Game Pass will provide online streaming.
Can I Watch the Super Bowl Halftime Show for Free?
Yes, you can watch the Super Bowl halftime show for free. In the United States, the best free option is Tubi, which will stream the full game, including the halftime show, at no cost. In the United Kingdom, fans can watch for free on ITVX by creating a free account.
In Australia, the 7Plus streaming service will provide free access. If you miss the live show, the NFL YouTube channel will upload the full halftime performance after the event.
If you live in a country where no free stream is available, using a VPN can help you access free streaming options in other regions.
Can I Watch Only the Super Bowl Halftime Show Without the Game?
The halftime show is part of the full Super Bowl broadcast, so it’s not available separately in real time. However, after the game, the full performance will be uploaded to the NFL’s YouTube channel.
Where Can I Rewatch the Super Bowl Halftime Show After It Airs?
After the Super Bowl, you can watch the full halftime show here:
- NFL YouTube Channel
- NFL’s Official Website
- Tubi (Replay availability may vary)
- Social Media Platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
Super Bowl Halftime Show FAQs: All you need to know
Has a Country Artist Ever Performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
Yes. In 1994, the show featured Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, and The Judds. Shania Twain performed in 2003, making her the last country artist to headline the show.
How Much Does It Cost to Produce the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
On average, the halftime show costs around $13 million to produce. The 2020 show with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira was one of the most expensive, exceeding that amount.
Why Do Artists Perform for Free at the Super Bowl?
With over 100 million viewers, the Super Bowl provides huge exposure. After Usher’s 2024 halftime show, his music streams increased by 550%. Rihanna’s 2023 performance led to an 833% increase in Fenty Beauty sales. Many artists also land major sponsorship deals after the event.
What Was the Most-Watched Super Bowl Halftime Show Ever?
The most-watched halftime show in history was Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance, with 133.4 million viewers. More recent high-viewership shows include Usher’s 2024 performance (123.4 million viewers) and Rihanna’s 2023 show (121 million viewers).
Is the Super Bowl Halftime Show Live or Pre-Recorded?
Most lead vocals are performed live, but background instrumentals and certain vocal elements are pre-recorded for sound consistency. In 2014, The Red Hot Chili Peppers used pre-recorded instrumentals, a common practice for major live events.
The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show will be a standout moment in sports and music history. With Kendrick Lamar and SZA leading the show, it promises to be one of the most talked-about performances of the year.
The show is expected to start around 8:00 PM Eastern Time, though the exact time depends on the game. If you’re watching live, Tubi, ITVX, and 7Plus offer free streaming. If you miss it, the full performance will be available on YouTube after the game.
No matter why you’re tuning in, this year’s halftime show is one you won’t want to miss.