The 37-year-old American rapper’s halftime performance at Super Bowl LIX delivered more than just music—it sparked a social media frenzy with a surprise guest.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show featured an unexpected moment that quickly became a viral sensation. The rapper, known for his deep ties to Compton, California, closed out his set with a surprise appearance by tennis legend Serena Williams.
A fan comment on Serena Williams, dated February 10, 2025 | Source: Instagram/espnw | Instagram/espn
Williams took the stage while Lamar performed his song “Not Like Us,” a track widely recognized for its role in his ongoing feud with Canadian rapper Drake. As the music played, Williams was seen dancing, including a signature c-walk, which instantly grabbed the attention of viewers and social media users.
The moment sparked widespread reactions online, with many commenting on Williams’ presence and dance moves.
On X, one user wrote,“Also, Serena Williams is so disrespectful.” Another added,“Serena Williams [sic] crip walking was the ultimate act of disrespect.” A different user reacted by saying,“Serena Williams crip walking during not like us is insane [sic].”
Some saw it as a major occurrence, with one comment reading,“The highlight of the performance.” However, others criticized the moment, with a user stating,“Leaving your one year old daughter at home, to come and hate on your ex from a decade ago [sic].” Another simply called it,“Cringe and embarrassing in my opinion.”
Serena Williams performs during the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana | Source: Getty Images
Reactions on Instagram were also divided. One fan praised Williams’ appearance, “She looked immaculate!” Meanwhile, someone else called it the “Best part of the show! Lol.”
Serena Williams performs during the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana | Source: Getty Images
Super Bowl halftime show babyyyyyyyyy pic.twitter.com/zufoSNdNhe
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) February 10, 2025
Williams’ comment referenced a similar moment from her past. During the London 2012 Olympics, she performed a brief dance on Wimbledon’s grass court after defeating Maria Sharapova in the gold medal match. At the time, her celebration sparked criticism, with some arguing that the move was inappropriate for such a setting.
Russia’s Maria Sharapova (L) and Serena Williams of the US pose prior to their final tennis match as part of the 2012 London Olympic Games at the All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on August 3, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
The dance in question, known as the crip-walk or C-walk, has deep cultural roots. Originating in Los Angeles in the 1980s, it was initially used as a symbolic form of communication among members of the Crips, one of the city’s most well-known gangs. Over time, the dance evolved and was later popularized in hip-hop culture, eventually becoming a widely recognized dance style by the late 1990s.
Serena Williams’ unexpected appearance added a new layer of discussion to an already highly anticipated performance, fueling debates across social media.
Serena Williams performs onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana | Source: Getty Images
While Williams’ dance moves stole the spotlight, Kendrick Lamar’s performance as a whole became the center of a heated debate.
Lamar took center stage at Super Bowl LIX’s halftime show on February 9, 2025, delivering a high-energy performance that quickly became a topic of debate among viewers.
A fan comment on Kendrick Lamar’s performance, dated February 10, 2025 | Source: Instagram/espn | Instagram/espnnfl | Instagram/sportscenter
The rapper, known for his intricate lyricism and commanding stage presence, performed some of his biggest hits, including “Humble,” “Squabble Up,” and “Not Like Us,” a track widely recognized as a diss toward fellow rapper Drake.