Betting on Super Bowl Halftime Shows: Guessing Surprise Performances

The Super Bowl halftime show has become one of the most anticipated parts of the big game, with the NFL recruiting mega stars to put on epic 12-15-minute performances. While the headliner is announced months in advance, the surprise guest performers are kept under wraps until showtime, leaving fans to speculate and bettors to try and cash in. With rap icon Kendrick Lamar announced as the headliner for Super Bowl LIX in February 2025 in New Orleans, rumors are already swirling about who he might bring out.

Here’s a look at why people bet on halftime show surprises, how to go about betting, factors to consider when placing your wagers, and some potential candidates for guest appearances.

Why Bet on Halftime Surprises?

Betting on the surprise halftime show guests offers a fun and unique way to get in on the action of the big game. Since the halftime headliners and setlists are shrouded in secrecy until the performance begins, it creates ample speculation and betting opportunities. Halftime betting brings together football and music fans, broadening the Super Bowl audience. And with so many possibilities on who could show up, bettors have lots of choices to weigh. Underdog bets can bring huge payouts if you accurately predict an unlikely special guest. Betting on surprises is riskier than traditional game lines, but correctly guessing a shock guest can provide a major payday.

How to Place Bets on Halftime Surprises

Most of the major sportsbooks now offer a variety of prop bets on Super Bowl halftime shows. Surprise guest wagers are commonly structured as “Yes/No” bets on whether a particular artist will make an appearance. Books will also take action on the first song performed, guest appearance odds, and number of songs in the setlist. Payouts can range from even money up into the hundreds-to-one odds. Shop around for the best odds on your hunch for a big score. There are also halftime show “request a bet” options where you can contact a book to create a customized wager on a particular outcome. Offshore books tend to offer many more halftime specials compared to regulated US markets.

Getting in on the action is as easy as having funds in your sportsbook account. Online and mobile betting make it simple to place real-time wagers as the show plays out. Live betting is available throughout the performance, so you can put money down during the actual appearances rather than guessing beforehand. Take advantage of signup bonuses and special offers that books roll out for the big game.

Factors to Consider When Betting Halftime Surprises

When trying to predict surprise artists for the halftime show, there are several factors to take into account:

• Location – The host city often clues performers with local ties. If Lil Wayne joins Kendrick Lamar in New Orleans, hometown betting favorites provide solid value.
• Relationships – Look at who the headliner has collaborated with before. Previous Kendrick partners like Travis Scott and Rihanna seem likely choices.
• Current Promotions – Active artists pushing new material or tours, such as Katy Perry, are prime candidates for guest spots.
• NFL Ties – The league may push artists with business relationships like Jay-Z or those who’ve done prior Super Bowl cameos.
• Song Choices – Guest artists often perform a big collaboration with the headliner, so think about their potential hits together.
• Rumors – Keep up with the gossip and reports from rehearsals and tapings to get wind of possible surprises.
• Previous Years – There are usually 1-4 guest performers, often a mix of new and classic artists. For example, Alicia Keys was the surprise guest when Usher headlined in 2023.

Possible Guest Appearances

Based on Kendrick Lamar’s collaborations and the location of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, here are some top candidates to keep an eye on for surprise guest appearances:

Lil Wayne – As a hometown legend in New Orleans, Lil Wayne would receive an enthusiastic welcome if he joined Lamar on stage. Their 2018 collaboration “Mona Lisa” off Wayne’s Tha Carter V album peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Reuniting to perform “Mona Lisa” in Wayne’s backyard would be an epic moment.

SZA – Fellow TDE labelmate SZA would be a seamless fit to perform their smash hit “All The Stars” from the Black Panther soundtrack. That song topped out at #7 on the Hot 100 and won them a Grammy. SZA is currently prepping her next album which could also make a Super Bowl cameo the perfect promotional play.

Travis Scott – Scott has already appeared during the Super Bowl LIII halftime show, so he’s primed for an encore. His collabs with Kendrick Lamar include “Goosebumps” and “Big Shot” which would both make big game additions. Their chemistry is undeniable, so bettors should keep an eye out for La Flame.

Jay Rock – As a key member of Lamar’s rap group Black Hippy and the TDE record label, Jay Rock is someone that could continue the TDE takeover in New Orleans. Their classic cut “Money Trees” would be a throwback homage that Super Bowl viewers would love.

Rihanna – Fresh off her headlining Super Bowl LVII Halftime performance, Rihanna teaming up with Lamar to reprise “Loyalty” off his DAMN. album seems like a no-brainer. Their music video for “Loyalty” was a blockbuster as well, so they could recreate those vibes on the big stage.

Future & Metro Boomin – With their #1 smash collaboration “Like That” in 2024, Future and Metro Boomin quickly became favorites as potential special guests. Their chemistry with Lamar was electric on that track, so seeing them turn up live at the Super Bowl would be pure fire.

The depth of Lamar’s catalog and relationships gives him endless options for shock surprises. Other names floated include J. Cole, Eminem, The Weeknd, and Calvin Harris. Ultimately the show will come down to Lamar’s vision, but bettors have plenty of elite artists to choose from in their wagers. Pay close attention to rehearsal leaks and local buzz around New Orleans for clues on game day surprises.

There will be no shortage of possibilities for Lamar’s special guests. Weighing all the factors and potential artists will be key for bettors looking to cash in on Super Bowl LIX halftime surprises.