Sports betting experts told Newsweek that they are not giving Taylor Swift a high likelihood of making a surprise appearance with Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl on February 9.
Why It Matters
Lamar is set to take the stage in New Orleans on February 9 during halftime of the Kansas City Chiefs versus Philadelphia Eagles game. This will be Lamar’s first solo performance at the Super Bowl, and it is the first time a solo rapper has headlined the halftime show. Lamar is also expected to drop an exclusive, limited-edition merch collection in collaboration with designer Willy Chavarria.
The game will be broadcast on Fox. The Chiefs are currently favored to win, as the team hopes to get a three-peat in Super Bowl wins.
What To Know
Sportsbook site Props.com analyzed the prediction market Kalshi to give Swift just a 5 percent chance of taking the stage alongside rapper Lamar during the halftime show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Scott Krones, the general manager at Props.com, said in a press release to Newsweek that anticipation around a Swift performance is still likely to rise ahead of the big game.
“Last year, all eyes were on Taylor and Travis at the Super Bowl and it’s looking likely that we’ll see the hype continue this year too,” Krones said. “However, unlike last year, the halftime act Kendrick Lamar has a well-documented working relationship with Taylor Swift, leaving many to speculate that she may be more inclined to make a surprise appearance during the halftime show. While the odds are looking like Swifties may be disappointed, there is still a small chance and an appearance like this would certainly send the internet into meltdown.”
Swift is expected to be at the game no matter what, however, to show support for her boyfriend, the Chiefs’ tight end.
Who Will Perform With Kendrick Lamar At The Super Bowl
Props.com also gave other artists chances to take the stage with Lamar:
Baby Keem – 58 percent
Mustard – 49 percent
Lil’ Wayne – 40 percent
Jay Rock – 37 percent
Travis Scott – 26 percent
Future – 25 percent
Metro Boomin – 17 percent
J Cole – 17 percent
Beyoncé – 11 percent
Rhianna – 2 percent
SZA is confirmed to perform with Lamar. The duo teased their collaboration in a lighthearted promotional video released by Apple Music. The clip features SZA surprising Lamar by dumping a cooler of Gatorade-like liquid on him while he chats on a football field.
The festivities also will include a strong lineup of Louisiana-native artists to celebrate the host city.
Jazz musician Jon Batiste will perform the national anthem, accompanied in American Sign Language by actress Stephanie Nogueras. R&B legend Ledisi is set to perform Lift Every Voice and Sing, often referred to as the Black national anthem. Trombone Shorty and Christian artist Lauren Daigle will perform America the Beautiful during the pregame ceremonies, according to Vogue.
What People Are Saying
Kendrick Lamar in a statement ahead of the Super Bowl: “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
What’s Next
The Super Bowl will be held on February 9.
