Serena Williams has revealed the real reason behind her surprise appearance in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show.
The tennis legend, 43, joined the rapper’s performance, dancing to his 2024 hit “Not Like Us”.
The song, known for taking aim at her ex-boyfriend Drake, made the moment even more talked about.
Serena’s connection to the dance move
Williams shared that Lamar invited her because of her famous victory dance at the 2012 Olympics.
After winning gold against Maria Sharapova, she celebrated with the Crip Walk.
The move, rooted in Compton’s culture, has long been associated with Lamar’s hometown.
When Lamar’s team reached out, Williams immediately agreed. “We’ve been trying to do something forever,” they told her. “We loved your Crip Walk at the Olympics.”
Serena saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “Super Bowl? Are you serious? When would I ever get to dance at a Super Bowl? Let’s do it!” she wrote on Instagram.
‘I knew my winning dance after the @olympics would pay off one day. End of story.’ She wrote on Instagram.
Behind-the-scenes moments
Additionally, Serena also shared footage of her preparation before the show.
She practiced the dance in her trailer and got ready with her family. Her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, and at least one of their daughters were with her.
She watched the game from the stands before heading backstage.
Dressed in a striking blue outfit, she ran through a few practice rounds. “This is a bad time to have to pee,” she joked before heading out.
When the moment arrived, Serena performed on a private platform. A camera focused on her as she executed the dance. Afterward, she celebrated backstage. “That was the best 10 seconds of my life! TEN SECONDS!” she exclaimed.
Social media reaction
Many viewers on social media also express their shock about Serena Williams’s performance at Super Bowl halftime show.
One person said: This is what freedom and perspective looks like. Retirement freedom. Mindset freedom. She’s living carefree and unbothered. I wish that for sisters everywhere.
A second wrote: I’m not black but I love this for her! Serena is powerful.
While a third commented: It was perfection! This is spot on, thank you for writing this for all to see, read, learn and grow from.
Another added: Perfectly said thank you. Congratulations to Ms Serena Williams great performance.
Someone else said: Loved It, walk, walk, walk Freedom is Everything Unapologetic!
The cultural impact of her performance
Though brief, her dance sent fans into a frenzy. It also sparked conversations due to her past with Drake. Many recalled her original Olympic dance and its historical significance.
The Crip Walk originated in Compton in the 1970s.
Due to its association with gangs, Williams’ Olympic celebration caused controversy. “I didn’t Crip Walk like that at Wimbledon—I would have been fined!” she joked.
Her performance with Lamar brought the dance back into the spotlight. It also reinforced her ties to Compton’s culture, which she shares with the rapper.
Alexis Ohanian’s reaction to the Super Bowl halftime show
Ohanian shared his thoughts on social media. “Pretty fantastic halftime show,” he wrote, posting photos from his VIP box.
His connection with Serena began in 2015, around the time she and Drake ended their relationship. While she was spotted with the rapper that August, Ohanian soon became a regular presence in her life.