Serena Williams Steals the Show at Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance

The 2025 Super Bowl halftime show was one for the books, and Kendrick Lamar made sure it was unforgettable. But the real showstopper? Tennis legend Serena Williams, who made a surprise cameo that sent the internet into a frenzy. As Lamar performed his Grammy-winning hit Not Like Us, Williams joined him on stage, Crip Walking to the beat, and reminding everyone why she’s not just a sports icon but a cultural phenomenon.

The Viral Moment: Serena Williams

Crip Walks on the Super Bowl Stage
When Serena Williams stepped onto the Super Bowl stage during Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance, it was more than just a dance—it was a statement. Williams, a Compton native like Lamar, brought her signature energy to the show, Crip Walking to the rhythm of Not Like Us. The dance, which originated in her hometown in the 1970s, was a nod to their shared roots and a celebration of West Coast culture.

The moment was loaded with subtext. Not Like Us is Lamar’s scathing diss track aimed at Drake, and Williams’ appearance added another layer to the ongoing feud. The tennis star and Drake had a brief romantic history back in 2015, and Lamar’s lyrics even include a warning to Drake: “From Alondra down to Central, better not speak on Serena”.

Fans quickly connected the dots, and social media exploded with reactions. Williams herself took to X (formerly Twitter) to joke about the moment, writing, “Man, I did not Crip Walk like that at Wimbledon. Oooh, I would’ve been FINED!” Her playful post only added to the buzz, making her cameo one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

The Backstory: Kendrick Lamar and Serena Williams’ Compton Connection
Kendrick Lamar and Serena Williams share more than just a stage—they share a hometown. Both hail from Compton, California, a city known for its rich cultural history and influence on music and sports. Lamar has often paid homage to his roots in his music, and Williams has never shied away from celebrating her Compton upbringing.

During his Grammy acceptance speech for Not Like Us, Lamar dedicated the award to his city, shouting out neighborhoods like Compton, Watts, and Inglewood. “This is my neck of the woods,” he said, “and it’s held me down since I was a young pup”. Williams’ appearance at the Super Bowl felt like a natural extension of that love for their shared hometown.

The Drake Factor: A Subtle Jab or Just Fun?

While Williams’ cameo was undoubtedly a celebration of Compton, it also had fans speculating about its connection to Drake. The Canadian rapper and Williams were rumored to have dated in 2015, and Drake has referenced her in several songs over the years. In his 2022 track Middle of the Ocean, he even took a shot at Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, calling him a “groupie”.

Lamar’s Not Like Us is widely seen as the final blow in his long-standing feud with Drake, and Williams’ appearance during the performance added fuel to the fire. Was it a subtle jab at Drake, or simply a fun moment between two Compton icons? Either way, it was impossible to ignore the layers of meaning behind her dance

The Halftime Show: A Star-Studded Affair

Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance was more than just a musical set—it was a cultural event. Alongside Serena Williams, Lamar brought out Samuel L. Jackson, who narrated the show dressed as Uncle Sam, and frequent collaborator SZA, who joined him for a medley of hits including Luther and All the Stars. The performance was a celebration of Lamar’s career and his impact on music, but Williams’ cameo was the highlight that everyone couldn’t stop talking about.

Serena Williams: From Tennis

Courts to the Super Bowl Stage
Serena Williams has always been more than just a tennis player. She’s a fashion icon, a businesswoman, and now, a halftime show star. Her appearance at the Super Bowl was a reminder of her versatility and her ability to command attention wherever she goes. Whether she’s winning Grand Slam titles or Crip Walking on one of the biggest stages in the world, Williams continues to redefine what it means to be a global icon.

Her sister, Venus Williams, was quick to celebrate the moment, posting on Instagram, “Lil sis killing it.” The sibling love was palpable, and fans couldn’t get enough of the Williams sisters’ support for each other.

The Aftermath: Social Media Goes Wild

As soon as Serena Williams stepped off the stage, social media lit up with reactions. Memes, tweets, and Instagram posts flooded the internet, with fans dissecting every second of her cameo. Many praised her for embracing her Compton roots, while others couldn’t resist connecting the moment to Drake.

Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, was in the audience cheering her on. He later tweeted, “Pretty fantastic halftime show,” and reposted a tweet calling Serena’s cameo the “highlight of the Super Bowl”.

Conclusion: A Night to Remember

Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime show was a masterclass in performance, but it was Serena Williams who stole the spotlight. Her surprise appearance was a celebration of Compton, a nod to her cultural roots, and a moment that will be remembered for years to come. Whether it was a subtle jab at Drake or simply a fun dance, one thing is clear: Serena Williams knows how to make an entrance.

As Lamar said during his Grammy acceptance speech, “Nothing is more powerful than rap music.” But on Super Bowl Sunday, it was Serena Williams who proved that sometimes, a dance can speak louder than words.