Serena Williams made waves in the course of the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, delivering a second that was each private and culturally vital.
Greater than only a dance, it was a callback to a defining second in her profession, the notorious crip stroll she carried out after profitable gold on the 2012 Olympics.
This time, Williams was invited to participate in Kendrick Lamar‘s efficiency, uniting two icons from Compton in a celebration of their shared roots.
“Kendrick and his workforce reached out and mentioned, ‘We have been attempting to do one thing collectively without end. What about this? We liked your crip stroll after profitable gold on the Olympics,'” Williams shared in an Instagram publish, explaining how the collaboration took place.
Her response was fast: “I am like, Tremendous Bowl? Are you severe? When on this planet would I ever be capable to dance at a Tremendous Bowl? (By no means) let’s do it! I knew my profitable dance after the Olympics would repay sooner or later. Finish of story.”
An announcement past the music
Williams took heart stage on the Caesars Superdome, dancing in entrance of a lamppost whereas Lamar carried out “Not Like Us,” a observe that gained consideration for its pointed lyrics directed at Drake.
The second was particularly notable given Williams’ previous relationship with the rapper, who beforehand admitted that he wrote the music “Too Good” with Rihanna about her.
The cameras captured Williams twice in the course of the efficiency, emphasizing her presence earlier than Lamar transitioned into “TV Off.” Reflecting on the second, she later shared in her Instagram recap, “That was the very best 10 seconds of my life. Ten seconds!”
A behind-the-scenes video confirmed Williams making ready in her trailer, sporting a shirt that includes the late Kobe Bryant in Dodgers gear. She practiced her strikes on the sideline earlier than stepping onto the stage, totally embracing the second.
Blended reactions however sturdy help
Whereas the efficiency was extensively praised, some had combined opinions. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith commented that he would not be happy if his associate publicly trolled an ex. Nonetheless, Williams’ husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, dismissed the criticism.
“A few of y’all do not know how criticized Serena was for this identical dance at Wimbledon 13 years in the past and it exhibits…,” Ohanian posted on X. “That is greater than the music.”
Williams, who retired in 2022 with 23 Grand Slam titles, as soon as once more proved that she instructions consideration wherever she goes-whether on the tennis courtroom, on the Olympics, or on the most important stage in American sports activities.
