Inside the 2025 Super Bowl: Game Highlights, Star-Studded Halftime Show, and Who Attended

The 2025 Super Bowl, held on Sunday, February 9, at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome, was a high-stakes rematch of the 2023 championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Excitement buzzed through the city known for its lively culture and spirited fandom, as NFL followers and celebrities gathered to see history unfold. This year’s showdown featured plenty of storyline intrigue: the Chiefs aimed for a “three-peat” after wins in 2023 and 2024, while the Eagles—who last captured the Lombardi Trophy in 2018—wanted redemption. The tension set the stage for a nail-biter of an encounter, blending on-field excellence with off-field glamour.

Beyond the gridiron, the Super Bowl always promises captivating spectacles, from elaborate halftime shows to big-name celebrities cheering in the stands. For 2025, the NFL and event organizers secured a star-filled halftime lineup centered on Kendrick Lamar, with special appearances by SZA, Mustard, and Samuel L. Jackson. Off the field, an eclectic mix of actors, singers, and athletes filled the suites. Below, we’ll break down each element of this memorable day—from final scores and halftime highlights to the A-listers who turned the Super Bowl into a cross-section of sports and pop culture.

A Dramatic Rematch: Chiefs vs. Eagles, 2025

The original face-off between these two teams in 2023 ended in a Chiefs triumph, but the Eagles were determined to change the narrative in 2025. Fans analyzed every aspect: Patrick Mahomes’ bond with tight end Travis Kelce, Jalen Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities, and a revamped Eagles defense. Rumors of a historic triple championship for the Chiefs ran rampant, but so did optimism from Philadelphia’s camp. By the time the teams took the field, the crowd was on edge, anticipating fireworks from start to finish.

Neither side disappointed. In the early quarters, the Eagles opened strong with a balanced offense, forcing the Chiefs to adjust. Mahomes then responded with a string of touchdown drives that signaled the Chiefs’ trademark resilience. Heading into halftime, each team had scored multiple times, making it a tight contest. As the second half wore on, the Eagles converted crucial stops and controlled the clock, eventually sealing a 40-22 victory. While the Chiefs showed flickers of brilliance, they ultimately fell short of achieving the elusive three-peat. Eagle fans erupted in celebration, relishing their sweet revenge from two years prior.

The Halftime Show: Kendrick Lamar and Friends

When it comes to Super Bowl Sunday, the mid-game performance can be as big a draw as the match itself. This year, Kendrick Lamar served as the headliner, opening with intense choreography and a stage setup emblazoned with patriotic themes. His potent combination of rap anthems and bold theatrics created a spectacle that balanced entertainment and social commentary. But the show’s layering of surprises kept fans hooked.

Samuel L. Jackson emerged throughout, costumed like Uncle Sam, delivering booming announcements and short monologues linking Lamar’s setlist to broader cultural messages. Soon after, SZA stepped onto the stage, stunning the audience with two songs, “Luther” and “All the Stars.” Dressed in fiery red, she blended seamlessly with Lamar’s set, creating a riveting melodic contrast. Producer Mustard then made a cameo, ramping up the energy with his signature hip-hop beats. In a brief but buzz-worthy twist, Serena Williams took the stage for a snippet of dance, highlighting her ongoing shift from tennis stardom to broader entertainment.

Many in the stands and at home praised the performance as “dynamic” and “socially resonant,” comparing it favorably to some of the best halftime shows in recent memory. Social media lit up with praise for SZA’s soul-stirring vocals, Mustard’s lively cameo, and Jackson’s monologues that bookended each musical segment. By the end of the 15-minute show, Lamar and friends had turned the Super Bowl halftime into a must-see mini-concert, delighting fans with both star power and high-caliber artistry.

A Star-Studded Audience: Who Showed Up?

Celebrity sightings are par for the course at the Super Bowl, and 2025 offered no exception. Among the famous faces in the stands or private suites:

• Taylor Swift: The chart-topping singer has been dating Chiefs star Travis Kelce for nearly two years, so her attendance wasn’t a shock. She wore a white blazer and sported a red T charm around her neck, fueling endless social media chatter about her relationship.
• Pete Davidson: Davidson spent the afternoon rooting for the Eagles from a VIP box, sharing comedic commentary via social media.
• Serena Williams: Before her cameo with Lamar, Serena hung out in a private suite, capturing pre-show selfies on Instagram.
• Bradley Cooper: A longtime Eagles devotee, Cooper arrived with his daughter Lea. They cheered passionately each time Hurts led the team downfield.
• Zac Efron: The Hollywood actor stayed laser-focused on Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance, rumored to be filming content for an upcoming project.
• Kevin Costner: Dressed simply in a white shirt and khakis, Costner mingled with fans and took in the game’s electric atmosphere.
• Adam Sandler: Sandler sat in a box with Paul Rudd and Sir Paul McCartney, rooting for the Chiefs.
• Donald Trump: The former U.S. President, known for his public appearances at major sporting events, watched the game from a private suite, reportedly chatting with friends and even sharing occasional sports-related tweets.
• Jay Z With Blue Ivy and Rumi: Hip-hop mogul Jay Z attended with his daughters, both rocking Eagles jerseys in a nod to the Philadelphia-bred rapper’s affinity for East Coast teams. Cameras caught them dancing during commercial breaks and singing along to halftime tracks.
• Lady Gaga: The pop icon was spotted snapping pictures with up-and-coming performer Doechii, causing a wave of excitement on social media.
• Donna Kelce: Proud mother of both Travis (Chiefs) and Jason Kelce (Eagles), donned a custom split jersey and sat near Swift, embodying the ultimate Super Bowl family divide.

Their presence underscored why the Super Bowl remains more than a football event: it’s a cultural happening where athletics, celebrity news, and personal relationships collide in one stadium.

Celebrity Drama and Memorable Sideline Moments

As expected, some drama brewed among the star attendees. The Eagles sections of the crowd apparently booed Taylor Swift—likely Eagles fans who objected to her Chiefs affiliation—but Swift shrugged it off, continuing to smile and asking those around her, “What’s going on?” Social media quickly rushed to defend her, while some Philadelphia supporters insisted it was all in good fun. Meanwhile, Kayla Nicole, an ex of Travis Kelce’s, openly rooted for the Eagles, teasing fans with playful social posts stating she was “on the bandwagon” for Philly’s victory.

Jessica Alba appeared at the game with her daughters for a “girls’ weekend,” though the mood was slightly overshadowed by recent news of her divorce filing with estranged husband Cash Warren. On a more positive note, reality star Tyler Cameron from The Bachelorette cuddled up with girlfriend Tate Madden in the stands, while comedian Amy Schumer enjoyed the match with her film costars. The swirl of love lives, ex-partners, and rivalry allegiances enriched the Super Bowl’s tabloid-friendly dimensions.

The Game’s Key Plays and Final Score

While the off-field spectacle dominated much conversation, the Eagles and Chiefs gave fans a thrilling contest. Each team’s offense lit up the scoreboard in the first half, featuring big passes from Mahomes to Kelce and a crafty run from Hurts that showcased his dual-threat skill. A pivotal interception early in the third quarter, grabbed by the Eagles secondary, flipped momentum in Philadelphia’s favor. They capitalized with a steady scoring drive, edging ahead of Kansas City.

By the fourth quarter, the Chiefs tried to mount a comeback behind Mahomes’ uncanny ability to improvise. Yet the Eagles’ defense held firm, forcing a final turnover on downs with minutes left. That last stand allowed them to run out the clock, leading to a 40-22 Eagles victory. Cheers erupted from the Philly faithful, players doused their coach in Gatorade, and confetti rained down in green and white. Even some Chiefs supporters acknowledged the Eagles had earned their redemption. On the other side, the Chiefs consoled one another, determined to regroup next season and aim once again for Lombardi glory.

Halftime Show Reactions: Cultural Impact and Next Year’s Bar

Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 halftime performance was instantly hailed as a creative triumph. Fans praised the blend of classic hits and socially conscious themes, accentuated by Samuel L. Jackson’s dramatic appearances. SZA’s melodic interlude became a showstopper, as she and Lamar performed “All the Stars” in sync with choreographed dancers. Meanwhile, Mustard’s beats brought a lively hip-hop energy, leaving the crowd roaring. Serena Williams, known for her athletic accolades, displayed a dance cameo that hinted at her evolving brand post-retirement from tennis.

Post-show debates covered everything from the bold visuals and patriotic costumes to the cameo choices. Many felt the NFL pushed for a more inclusive, forward-looking message—especially compared to past halftime concerts that stuck to safe middle ground. Online polls showed a consensus ranking Lamar’s set among the top halftimes of the last decade. Critics saw it as a blend of American pop culture, social commentary, and raw performance, all compressed into 15 minutes. For next year, anticipation has soared: can the league find an act as compelling?

Looking Ahead to Future Seasons

With the Eagles triumphant, speculation already stirs about the Chiefs’ next moves, whether Travis Kelce might eventually retire or if the team’s star power can regroup for another run. Eagles fans celebrate a pivotal rematch victory that quiets doubters from 2023. And behind the athletic narrative, the Super Bowl remains the apex of showbiz synergy, proven by the wave of A-listers—from Swift to Jay Z—who made the event a trending topic worldwide.

While some celebrities left the stadium celebrating the Eagles’ upset, others commiserated with the Chiefs or simply relished the lavish halftime show. The final takeaway? The 2025 Super Bowl blended athletic brilliance, star power, and pop culture surprises in a single, riveting evening. For many, it showed why the NFL’s championship continues to be not just a sports highlight, but a unifying spectacle that draws in people from every walk of life—football fanatic or otherwise. And as fans already debate next season’s prospects, one certainty remains: the quest for glory and the lure of star-studded gatherings will return with renewed vigor, ensuring the Super Bowl’s magic endures.