Here's who's performing at Super Bowl LIX
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Super Bowl LIX might technically be about the football, but the event brings some major star power to its music performances too.
Why it matters: With the Philadelphia Eagles facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans, you can expect some epic host-city flavor.
How it works: Jay-Z's Roc Nation has collaborated with the NFL on identifying entertainment since 2020 thanks to an introduction from New England Patriots owner Robert K. Kraft, the New York Times says.
- The final music selections all start with a list from Jay-Z, Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez told the Times-Picayune.
- "If it was just booking an act, that's easy," Perez said. "But it's not. It's more about when, why, who. What is the theme? What is the pulse of the times, of where we're going, of what people are listening to? We take all that into consideration."
- Then, it's a matter of putting puzzle pieces together, finding out who's available and how it all works together in context, she told the newspaper.
Super Bowl tailgate
Post Malone will perform in the official Super Bowl pregame tailgate with YouTube, the NFL announced last week.
- The performance will feature an appearance from New Orleans Saints Juwan Johnson too.
- The live show is invite-only, the NFL says, but it will stream live at 3pm on the NFL's YouTube channel.
Super Bowl pregame performers
New Orleans' musical legacy will be the star during the pregame performances.
- Jon Batiste will perform the national anthem.
- Trombone Shorty will pair up with Lafayette native Lauren Daigle for "America the Beautiful."
- And Ledisi will perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
You should also look for Harry Connick Jr. with trumpeter Leroy Jones and trombone player Freddie Lonzo, plus the Freedom Frequency Orchestra, the Southern University Marching Band, jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard, the Soul Rebels, The Original Pinettes (New Orleans' only all-female brass band), and the Spirit of New Orleans Gospel Choir.
- Mardi Gras Indians will also figure prominently in the show, the NFL says, with local artist Queen Tahj at the helm. The tradition of creating spectacular beaded suits — a new one every year — comes from New Orleans' Black community. The tradition's origins are murky, but many believe it honors the unique relationship between Indigenous tribes who cared for escaped enslaved people in the city's early history.
- Fun fact: Queen Tahj designed this year's Super Bowl logo, too.
Super Bowl halftime performers
Kendrick Lamar will round out the night's musical performances, with special guest SZA, the NFL said.
- The Compton native dropped his latest album, "GNX," last fall, which included SZA's contributions on two tracks: "Gloria" and "Luther."
- The pair are also co-headlining a 19-city tour beginning this spring in Minneapolis.