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YouTube Views Of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show Is Telling

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Feb 11, 2025 2:34 PM ET

Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance at Super Bowl 59 has sparked conversation since Sunday night.

Some thought the "HUMBLE." rapper was responsible for the "worst" halftime show in the history of the big game. Others loved it, with one USA TODAY writer indicating he thought it was arguably the best halftime show he's ever seen on the Super Bowl stage. Considering how polarized America is on pretty much everything these days, it's not that surprising to see such wildly different opinions.

One thing is certain though. Kendrick has outperformed Usher, last year's Super Bowl halftime headliner, on YouTube. On Tuesday morning, an X/Twitter user noted that the video of Kendrick's set had 32 million views on the NFL's official YouTube channel, the same number that Usher hit in one year.

"Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance currently has the same amount of views it took usher 11 months to reach. IN ONE DAY," they wrote.

Over the last few hours, Kendrick is up to roughly 34.6 million views, which is over 1.5 million more than Usher, who is a shade under 33 million.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 09: Kendrick Lamar performs onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Kendrick's performance featured a guest appearance from Samuel L. Jackson as "Uncle Sam," as well as Serena Williams making a cameo as a dancer. The tennis legend crip-walked to "Not Like Us."

One day after his Super Bowl showcase, Kendrick officially announced his tour, which will kick off on April 19 in Minneapolis.

"grand national tour," he said on social media.

"UK/Europe Dates
Local Pre-sales Wednesday
General On-Sale Friday."

Overall, the “Grand National Tour," which will also feature SZA, who joined Kendrick on Sunday night, will hit 16 U.S. cities and make 13 international stops.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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