Alexis Ohanian knows how to hype up his queen. After Serena Williams made a surprise appearance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans' Caesar's Superdome alongside Kendrick Lamar, her husband wasted no time sharing his reaction. On February 9, Alexis took to X (formerly Twitter) and gave his official review: "Pretty fantastic halftime show." Simple, sweet, and right on point.
For Serena, the moment was a big one. The tennis legend was spotted dancing in the crowd before stepping onstage in a blue tennis skirt set during Kendrick's performance of "Not Like Us"—aka the viral Drake diss track. And let's say she did not hold back on the moves.
© Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for RocFollowing her cameo, Serena, who shares daughters Alexis Olympia, 7, and Adira, 16 months, with Alexis, celebrated the moment like a true champion. "Let's go Super Bowl halftime," she posted on X, sharing a behind-the-scenes clip of her posing for photos. "I died a little!"
© Getty ImagesAnd yes, she had thoughts on her signature dance move making a comeback. "Man, I did not crip walk like that at Wimbledon. I would be fined!" she joked in a video, referencing her infamous victory dance from past matches. Serena's dance at the Super Bowl LIX has deep roots and some serious baggage from its origins in the 1970s. While many appreciated her boldness and energy, others couldn't help but wonder about the timing.
But let's not forget that Serena playfully weighed in on the Kendrick vs. Drake drama long before this halftime show moment. Back at the 2024 ESPY Awards, she took a lighthearted jab at Drake (who she was rumored to have dated in 2015) while praising Kendrick's lyrical fire. "If I've learned anything this year, it's that none of us, not a single one of us, not even me, should ever pick a fight with Kendrick Lamar," she joked. "He will make your hometown not like you."
And speaking of history, Kendrick just made some of his own. As the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show, he delivered a powerhouse set featuring "Squabble Up," "Humble," and "DNA." He even brought out longtime collaborator SZA and had Samuel L. Jackson playing the "Americas Consciousness" role for some added commentary.
© Getty ImagesWhile singing his "Not Like Us" hit track, Kendrick aimed some pretty harsh lines at Drake. It was like he was sending darts through his lyrics. During the set, he calls him a liar and a manipulator and even hints at darker accusations. Whether you were nodding or cringing at the controversy, it sparked a firestorm of discussion among fans.
Between Kendrick's groundbreaking performance and Serena's unexpected cameo, the night was definitely one for the books. And Alexis? Well, he's always got the best seat in the house when it comes to watching his wife shine.
© Getty Images for Athlos
