New Orleans, Louisiana – The excitement surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s performance during the highly anticipated halftime show of Super Bowl LIX continues to build, with the announcement of four additional pregame performers for the event. Grammy-winning singer Jon Batiste, Christian recording artist Lauren Daigle, R&B vocalist Ledisi, and jazz musician Trombone Shorty are set to entertain fans in the Big Easy on February 9th.
Batiste will be kicking off the festivities by performing the national anthem at the Caesars Superdome, followed by a collaboration between Daigle and Shorty on “America the Beautiful.” Ledisi will then captivate the audience with her powerful vocals on “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The NFL and Roc Nation revealed this exciting lineup, emphasizing the goal of uniting fans worldwide through music that embodies the energy and spirit of the region. The pregame performances will be complemented by American Sign Language interpretations by Stephanie Nogueras, Otis Jones IV, and Matt Maxey, adding an inclusive element to the event.
While anticipation for Lamar’s halftime show grows, the selection of the headliner has caused some controversy in the music industry. Rapper Lil Wayne expressed disappointment over not being chosen for the career-defining performance, sharing his feelings in an emotional Instagram post back in September.
In a surprising turn of events, Drake recently filed a pre-action petition in Manhattan court against Universal Music Group and Spotify, accusing the companies of artificially inflating the streams of Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” Drake alleged that this manipulation led to a misconception of the track’s popularity, prompting a strong denial from a UMG spokesperson.
As the countdown to the Super Bowl LIX halftime show continues, the lineup of pregame talent promises an unforgettable spectacle for fans tuning in to watch the event live on Fox. The blend of musical styles and performances is set to create a celebratory atmosphere that will set the stage for Lamar’s highly-anticipated halftime performance.