The top cultural moments of Super Bowl LIX

The GIST: Step aside, Eagles — women were among the brightest stars of the biggest Sunday in sports. Enough boos — these off-field highlights were all about support.

🎹 Lady Gaga kicks off moving tribute to New Orleans: Gaga made a surprise appearance in the Crescent City last night, performing her ballad “Hold My Hand” to honor the victims of the New Year’s Day terror attack in the city’s French Quarter.

• Shortly after, Southern University’s Original Pinettes became the first all-women brass band to perform at the Super Bowl.

✔️ Nike celebrates women’s sports with its first Super Bowl ad since 1998: Three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, and gymnastics icon Jordan Chiles highlighted the nine pro women athletes featured in Nike’s brand-new “So Win” campaign, which was voiced-over by Grammy-winning rapper Doechii. Electric.

👟 Serena Williams spotlighted in Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show: Along with emcee Samuel L. Jackson, the standout surprise guest in Lamar’s 13-minute performance was his fellow Compton legend (and Drake’s ex), the GOAT, Williams. Game over.

• Prior to the crip walk that broke the internet and the long-awaited performance of “Not Like Us,” Lamar wowed with a thrilling, artistic set featuring frequent collaborator SZA. All the stars are closer, indeed.

💗 Hailee Steinfeld wants to save the tatas: Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen’s fiancée starred in one of the most creative commercials of the night, partnering with breast cancer survivor, actress Wanda Sykes, to literally give breasts “the attention they deserve most” and highlight life-saving early detection.