Usher Shares Advice for Kendrick Lamar Ahead of 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Performance
As Kendrick Lamar prepares to take the stage for the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, Usher, a seasoned veteran of the iconic performance, has some sage advice for the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper. During an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Tuesday, February 4th, the R&B legend opened up about what it takes to deliver a memorable halftime show and shared words of encouragement for K-Dot.
“I haven’t had the chance to catch up with him and tell him, one, how excited I am,” Usher said. “I’ve talked to everybody around … I’ve talked to all the producers, his creative team.”
Usher, who headlined the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show in 2024, emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment. “The one thing I would say is savor the moment ‘cause you get obsessed in trying to build the best performance, but you don’t realize that it’s really about enjoying it,” he explained.
The Pressure of Perfection
Usher knows firsthand the immense pressure that comes with performing on one of the world’s biggest stages. He urged Kendrick to focus on being present rather than striving for perfection.
“It might not be perfect, everything may not go exactly the way it’s supposed to, but if you are in your mind and stuck trying to make something perfect, you’re not going to look up and smell the flowers,” Usher continued. “And realize, ‘Wait a minute, I’m here and I get a chance to have this moment, and I’m not going to get it again, I’m not going to get this moment back.’”
The eight-time Grammy winner encouraged Kendrick to embrace the experience and use the platform to its fullest potential. “So my encouragement to him is to really be present, and I hope that he uses the moment well,” Usher added.
Celebrating Hip-Hop and Kendrick’s Legacy
Usher also took a moment to reflect on Kendrick’s impact on hip-hop and the significance of his upcoming performance. “There’s a lot that could be said, there’s a lot to be said for where hip-hop has come from, there’s a lot to be said for that young man and how he’s completely been an incredible benchmark for what it is to be an artist,” he said.
Kendrick, who will be joined by frequent collaborator SZA, is set to perform in New Orleans, a city known for its rich musical heritage. The 2025 Super Bowl halftime show promises to be a celebration of hip-hop’s evolution and Kendrick’s contributions to the genre.
Usher’s Iconic Halftime Show
Usher’s advice comes from a place of experience. His 2024 Super Bowl halftime show was a masterclass in performance, featuring a star-studded lineup that included Lil Jon, Ludacris, H.E.R., Alicia Keys, and Jermaine Dupri. The performance paid tribute to his hometown of Atlanta and showcased his decades-long career in music.
Reflecting on his own experience, Usher emphasized the importance of making the most of the opportunity. “I’m just hoping he really maximizes that moment,” he said of Kendrick.
What to Expect from Kendrick’s Performance
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most anticipated events of 2025. Known for his thought-provoking lyrics and electrifying stage presence, the rapper is expected to deliver a performance that not only entertains but also makes a statement.
With SZA by his side, the show is likely to feature a mix of their collaborative hits and Kendrick’s solo classics, creating a dynamic and unforgettable experience for viewers around the world.
Conclusion
As Kendrick Lamar prepares to take the stage for the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, Usher’s words of wisdom serve as a reminder to savor the moment and embrace the journey. With his unparalleled talent and dedication to his craft, Kendrick is poised to deliver a performance that will go down in history.
Fans can’t wait to see what the rapper has in store, and if Usher’s advice is any indication, it’s going to be a night to remember.
