Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show was more than just a performance—it was a carefully crafted visual experience designed to bring his artistic vision to life. Inspired by the concept of a video game, Lamar’s show blended music, choreography, and striking set designs to tell a deeper story.

One of the most intriguing elements was the use of a vintage Buick GNX, a crucial part of the show’s narrative that had to be sourced and modified specifically for the event.

The Search for the Perfect GNX

Lamar envisioned a GNX that could be transformed into a “clown car” for a dramatic reveal during his performance. However, finding the right car wasn’t easy. His own Buick Grand National couldn’t be used, as it needed to be altered beyond repair. Art director Shelley Rodgers, known for her work with top artists like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, took on the challenge.

Instagram | greeneyeszzzvixen | Lamar required a transforming GNX "clown car" for his performance, a request which Erik Eastland's team fulfilled.

“Tracking one down was tough, especially after he dropped his album,” Rodgers said. “We could have used his, but I doubt he would have wanted it back afterward.”

The task fell to Erik Eastland and his team at All Access, the company responsible for fabricating the stage. After a thorough search, they located the GNX at a small dealership in Riverside, California. Once secured, the car underwent significant modifications to fit seamlessly into the performance.

A Video Game-Inspired Stage Design

Lamar’s halftime show wasn’t just about the music; it was about storytelling. The stage was designed to resemble buttons on a PlayStation-style controller, symbolizing Lamar’s life as a video game. This creative decision was a collaborative effort between Lamar, his longtime director Dave Free, and creative director Mike Carson.

According to Carson, the goal was to keep the set clean and minimal while allowing the video game theme to unfold through lighting, choreography, and dialogue. “Kendrick and Dave have a strong vision for simplicity,” Carson said. “We stuck to a monochrome, concrete aesthetic and let the narrative develop through movement and sound.”

The Challenge of a Halftime Show

Executing a Super Bowl halftime show comes with immense logistical challenges. Every element—staging, lighting, performers—had to be moved onto the field in just 7.5 minutes and removed in 6 minutes to avoid interfering with the game.

Instagram | greeneyeszzzvixen | Super Bowl halftime performances are logistically complex, requiring swift setup and teardown within strict time limits.

Rodgers and her team at Tribe Inc., which has been designing Super Bowl halftime shows for nearly two decades, had to create a plan that balanced creativity with efficiency. Unlike natural turf fields that require extra protection, the Superdome’s synthetic field offered more flexibility, allowing for intricate stage designs without damaging the playing surface.

Behind-the-Scenes of an Elaborate Production

Producing a show of this scale involved months of preparation. Lamar announced his Super Bowl performance in September, but it wasn’t until Thanksgiving that the concept was finalized. By early December, Eastland and his team began constructing the stage components. The entire setup required 50 carts of equipment, each weighing between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds. Specially designed “turf tires” ensured that the field remained intact despite the heavy machinery.

One of the biggest obstacles was the Superdome’s limited entry points. Unlike some stadiums with multiple access tunnels, this venue had only one main entrance, located directly behind a goalpost. “It’s not the easiest setup,” Eastland admitted. “We had less than 10 feet of clearance to get everything through.”

A Show That Pushed Creative Boundaries

Super Bowl halftime shows have evolved significantly over the years. In the beginning, organizers kept performances simple, featuring a rock band and a single stage. As expectations grew, artists like Madonna and Katy Perry introduced elaborate visuals and storytelling.

The trend continued when The Weeknd adapted his 2021 performance to pandemic restrictions, expanding the stage beyond the field. NFL music director Seth Dudowsky emphasized the yearly challenges. “Every creative team wants to push the envelope,” he said. “Our production designers must find ways to make it work within the time and space we have.”

For Lamar’s performance, the team focused on balancing bold artistic choices with logistics. His video game-inspired setup included custom-built streetlights and polycarbonate panels. This creative approach strengthened his storytelling while fitting within the tight Super Bowl halftime schedule.

The GNX’s Final Act

Instagram | hotfreestyle | A key thematic element was emphasized by the GNX's striking reveal of a dance ensemble.

One of the most memorable moments of the show was when the GNX opened, revealing a group of dancers. This visually striking move fit perfectly with the performance’s theme. Acquiring and modifying the car was a challenge, but it added an authentic touch that Lamar’s fans appreciated.

Eastland, who sourced and transformed the vehicle, knew dismantling a GNX would be controversial. “Tearing it apart was a tough call,” he admitted. “But Kendrick’s audience needed to see the real deal, not a cheap imitation.”

Unfortunately, the car won’t return to the streets. While it could go on tour with Lamar, it no longer functions as a road vehicle. Since Lamar’s album release, interest in the GNX has surged. Eastland believes its value will only rise. “Prices for these things are going to skyrocket,” he said.

A Performance to Remember

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was more than just a concert—it was a cinematic experience that blended music, visuals, and storytelling into a seamless production.

From the careful selection of the GNX to the precision timing of the stage setup, every detail was meticulously planned. The end result was a performance that not only entertained millions but also solidified Lamar’s place in Super Bowl halftime show history.