Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance Influenced by PlayStation Controller Design

Kendrick Lamar’s captivating Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9 was notably inspired by the design of a PlayStation controller, as revealed by the event’s art director. This year’s thrilling game concluded with the Philadelphia Eagles claiming the Lombardi Trophy after an intense matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The halftime spectacle featured Lamar performing a mix of diss tracks aimed at Drake alongside selections from his latest EP, GNX. From the moment the performance commenced, observers drew parallels between the stages and the iconic buttons found on a PlayStation controller.

The PlayStation Influence on Stage Design

Shelley Rodgers, the halftime show’s art director, confirmed that the design elements of the four stages drew inspiration from the familiar shapes of a PlayStation controller. Each stage was designed to resemble one of the controller buttons: square, circle, triangle, and X. This bold artistic choice was evident during the performance of ‘Bodies, ’ where dancers emerged from a modified Buick GNX atop the square-shaped stage, while the circular, X, and triangle formations were strategically located around the field. Notably, the triangle stage was where Kendrick shared the spotlight with SZA for a duet.

the stage for Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance has the PlayStation controller buttons 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/DnkrJGRDtI

— Radec (@realradec) February 10, 2025

According to Rodgers, Kendrick himself played a pivotal role in conceptualizing this theme, although she did not speculate on any potential connection to his ongoing rivalry with Drake.“I think the concept was symbolic and a way for him to connect with younger audiences, ” she articulated in her interview with Wired.“A lot of it reflects his journey and experiences with the American dream.”

Mike Carson, the creative director for the show, echoed this sentiment, explaining that the shapes were designed to create “a clean, easy-to-understand platform” for Kendrick to narrate his story through performance. He elaborated, “Dave Free and Kendrick are committed to simplicity in design. We opted for a monochromatic concrete aesthetic while allowing the video game elements to shine through via the choreography, lighting, and music.”

Kendrick’s performance was just one element of the Super Bowl, which is traditionally rich in high-profile commercials and trailers for upcoming films. This year continued that legacy, showcasing the intersection of sports and entertainment on one of the world’s largest stages.

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