Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Before the Georgia Bulldogs relinquished their 13-point lead to a hungry and ferocious Alabama Crimson Tide led by true freshman Tua “The Hawaiian Hero” Tagovailoa, who threw one of the most perfect passes in college football history, one could say the game needed a little boost.
It started with an appearance by President Donald Trump during the performance of the national anthem by country music group Zac Brown Band. A close-up showed that Trump was not only lip-syncing, but apparently didn’t know the words to begin with.
As Georgia went into the half down 13-0, the tone of the game felt like two prize-fighters feeling out each other, working hard not to make a mistake. But the energy in Atlanta soon changed, as King Kendrick Lamar was tasked with the first ever national championship halftime performance.
Many thought there would be some sort of political battle between Trump and Lamar through the rapper’s performance, but sadly we missed out when the president decided to leave the game before Lamar went on stage. Nonetheless, everyone was looking forward to seeing what Lamar had planned as thousands filled Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park just minutes from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium where the game was being held.
Lamar’s set list of four songs included three singles from his critically acclaimed last album DAMN., including “DNA,” “Element,” and “Humble.” He also performed his newest single from the Black Panther soundtrack, “All The Stars.” The massive crowd kept up with Lamar throughout the performance, singing along word for word, not letting the frigid temperatures hold them back. He didn’t make any overt statements about Trump— instead he let his performance with the live band show why he’s one of the best to do it.
Watch the performance above, and check out game highlights below.
