Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show Still Most-Watched Ever

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Kendrick Lamar's record-breaking Super Bowl halftime performance in 2025 continues to be the most-watched ever, with 133.5 million viewers. Despite a highly anticipated set by Bad Bunny at Super Bowl LX in 2026, which featured guest appearances from Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and Cardi B, viewership numbers fell short at 128.2 million.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, often serving as a launchpad for artists and a reflection of broader societal trends. Lamar's 2025 performance tapped into a moment of intense cultural conversation surrounding hip-hop, celebrity feuds, and artistic expression, while Bad Bunny's show faced the challenge of following an act that resonated so deeply with the cultural zeitgeist.

The details

Bad Bunny's performance, while captivating 128.2 million viewers, remained below the 133.5 million who tuned in to witness Kendrick Lamar's show in 2025. Lamar's 2025 performance was not just a ratings success, but a cultural moment, with the inclusion of SZA and the setlist leaning heavily into tracks from his critically acclaimed GNX album, including the fiery diss track 'Not Like Us' aimed at Drake. In contrast, this year's Super Bowl faced an unusual challenge, as the right-wing non-profit Turning Point USA organized an alternative halftime show featuring Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett, which reportedly attracted 5.1 million viewers, siphoning off a portion of the potential audience from the official NFL broadcast.

• Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance was in 2025.
• Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance was at Super Bowl LX in 2026.