Serena's Last Dance: The Super Bowl Culmination of the Sexuality and Symbolism of Serena Williams

Abstract: The 2025 National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl halftime show featured a highly anticipated headliner in the form of hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar. Lamar used his performance to take a dig at his lyrical rival, rap artist Drake. Over the course of his 15-minute performance, tennis legend Serena Williams made a surprise cameo as a dancer during the set. Williams, through no fault of her own, had been a minor part of the rap rivalry between Lamar and Drake. This essay explores why Williams appeared at the Superbowl with a broader discussion about race, gender, and sexuality.