In a surprise twist at Super Bowl 2025, Serena Williams joined Kendrick Lamar on stage, delivering dance moves rivaled only by her past relationship with Drake—talk about scoring points in Compton!

Serena Williams’ unexpected cameo during Kendrick Lamar's halftime show not only set the stage for some seriously hot moves but also rekindled the competitive spirit of Compton, especially as Lamar's 'Not Like Us' took a pointed jab at her ex, Drake. With an electrifying performance featuring backup dancers and appearances from Samuel L. Jackson and SZA, Williams showed fellow female athletes—and the world—that she hasn't just mastered tennis but can also serve unforgettable halftime moments.

Williams, a living legend in the world of tennis, expressed her excitement on social media prior to the event, exclaiming, 'Let’s go Super Bowl halftime??! I died a little!' It’s hard to tell if she was referring to the thrill of performing with Kendrick or the sheer adrenaline of dancing in front of millions, but either way, we can assume there were no rackets involved this time around.

The choice of Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' as the performance backdrop was particularly pointed, considering it is famously directed at Drake. One can only imagine that, like in tennis, maintaining a psychological edge from Compton to the Super Bowl stage is crucial—even if it means throwing a bit of shade. The competitive undercurrent was palpable, leaving some fans wondering if backhanded compliments would soon become a theme in sporting events.

Serena was not alone on this musical stage: fellow Compton native Kendrick clearly channeled the essence of his roots as he belted out his lyrics. It just goes to show that those from Compton continue to scoot their way into the spotlight, be it with a tennis racket or a microphone. In a city rich with artistic flair and athletic prowess, who better to represent than Williams and Lamar?

Acting stalwart Samuel L. Jackson lent his iconic voice as a narrator during the performance, adding a cinematic touch that only he could provide. Jackson’s presence raises important inquiries—was he there for backup support, or was he simply ensuring that all attendees knew it was, indeed, Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show? Meanwhile, SZA rounded out the performance, seamlessly blending her vocal prowess with the dynamic backdrop that only a Super Bowl stage can provide.

In a glitzy display of athleticism and artistry, Williams danced with the backup performers, leaving spectators to wonder if her serve could be matched by her stage presence. Fans quickly took to social media to note how beautifully Serena transitioned from a tennis court to the performance stage. The footage of her strutting around in what one can only assume was a form-fitting ensemble was worth parsing through countless other posts about chip dips and nachos.

The accolades didn’t stop there; Lamar's performance of 'Not Like Us' went on to sweep five awards at the 2025 Grammys, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. The synergy of the night bore witness to an artistic renaissance, proving once again that Compton is where talent springs forth like over-excited athletes at a championship match.

Of course, fellow female athletes took this moment in stride, or perhaps we should say they took to social media without skipping a beat. Comments praising Williams’ halftime performance poured in, emphasizing how she continues to break barriers, whether within a tennis match or on a stage designed for the world's greatest entertainers. It appears that while she may have exchanged her tennis whites for glitzy outfits, the spirit of competition remains ever-present.

Through a seamless blending of sport and music, Williams and Lamar not only entertained but also left a mark on Super Bowl history. Who knew that a tennis superstar could serve up so much flair while simultaneously spinning tracks? It’s clear that in the world of entertainment and sport, the lines are blurrier than a poorly aimed tennis ball, and on this night, Williams was definitely on the winning side.