Serena Williams has once again captured the spotlight, this time not on the tennis court but on the grandest stage in sports entertainment: the Super Bowl halftime show. Appearing alongside Kendrick Lamar during his electrifying performance, the legendary athlete shared the inspiring story behind her decision to take part in the iconic event.
Taking to Instagram to share her excitement, Serena revealed how the collaboration came about. “When @kendricklamar and team called and was like, ‘We’ve been trying to do something forever, what about this? We loved your crip walk at the Olympics after you won the gold medal,’ I was shocked,” she wrote. Serena famously broke into the iconic dance after clinching gold at the 2012 London Olympics, a moment that remains etched in the minds of her fans.
She continued, “I’m like, Super Bowl? Are you serious? When in the world would I ever be able to dance at a Super Bowl? (Never.) Let’s do it! I knew my winning dance after the @olympics would pay off one day. End of story.”
A Celebration of Excellence and Culture
Serena’s husband, Alexis Ohanian, also chimed in, sharing heartfelt words about the performance and its deeper cultural significance. “Let ’em know. Like Kendrick said, ‘This is bigger than music.’ Folks either UNDERSTOOD that halftime show — or REALLY didn’t. But then again, very, very, very few people carry the torch you do for so many people. Can’t expect some of these jokers to be on that level if they’ve never breathed air that thin,” he said, applauding his wife’s enduring legacy.
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In a follow-up post, Alexis addressed the criticism Serena faced years ago for expressing herself through dance. “Some of y’all have no idea how criticized Serena was for this same dance at Wimbledon 13 years ago, and it shows… This is bigger than the music,” he wrote.
The crip walk, a dance move rooted in West Coast hip-hop culture, has often been a point of controversy when performed on formal or international stages. Yet Serena’s unapologetic embrace of the move at both the Olympics and the Super Bowl serves as a powerful statement about authenticity and cultural pride.
A Super Bowl to Remember
Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show brought together a celebration of Black excellence, artistry, and resilience. Serena’s cameo added an unexpected yet meaningful layer to the performance, symbolizing the intersection of sports, music, and culture. Fans on social media praised Serena for stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing the moment with grace and confidence.
“Serena Williams dancing at the Super Bowl? This is history in the making,” one fan tweeted, while others applauded her for bringing a fresh perspective to the halftime show.
The Legacy of the Dance
Serena’s crip walk at the London Olympics was a bold and joyful celebration of her hard-earned victory, but it wasn’t without its critics. Some questioned the appropriateness of the move on such a global stage. Yet, more than a decade later, that very dance has become a symbol of her journey — a testament to the unapologetic pride she takes in her identity.
The Super Bowl halftime show gave Serena an opportunity to reframe that narrative and showcase the dance in a celebratory light. For Kendrick Lamar, whose music often delves into themes of identity, resilience, and community, the decision to include Serena was undoubtedly intentional. Together, they created a moment that transcended sports and entertainment, resonating deeply with fans around the world.
A Message Beyond Music
As Alexis Ohanian pointed out, the halftime show was about more than just music. It was a statement — a reminder of how far Serena has come and how much she continues to inspire others. Her appearance alongside Kendrick Lamar wasn’t just a performance; it was a celebration of everything she represents: excellence, perseverance, and cultural pride.
For Serena, it was also a chance to embrace a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “When in the world would I ever be able to dance at a Super Bowl?” she wrote. “I knew my winning dance after the @olympics would pay off one day.”
From the tennis court to the Super Bowl stage, Serena Williams continues to break boundaries and redefine what it means to be a global icon. Her cameo at the halftime show will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most unique and meaningful moments of her illustrious career.
