The Super Bowl LIX halftime show in 2025 became a focal point of controversy, leading some viewers to boycott the event due to the selection of Kendrick Lamar as the headlining performer. The decision to feature Lamar over New Orleans native Lil Wayne sparked significant debate and dissatisfaction among fans and commentators alike.
Selection Controversy
On September 8, 2024, the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation announced Kendrick Lamar as the headliner for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. This decision marked Lamar as the first rapper to lead the festivities multiple times. The announcement was met with mixed reactions, particularly because the event was set to take place in New Orleans, Lil Wayne’s hometown. Many fans and industry figures felt that Lil Wayne’s deep ties to the city made him a more appropriate choice for the performance.
Prominent artists such as Birdman, Boosie Badazz, Cam’ron, Mase, Master P, and Nicki Minaj openly criticized the selection, accusing Jay-Z, who played a role in the decision-making process, of overlooking Lil Wayne due to personal biases. They labeled the choice as “egregious” and expressed disappointment over the perceived snub. Conversely, figures like Charlamagne tha God, Fabolous, Fat Joe, and Jay Electronica defended the decision, highlighting Lamar’s legacy, catalog, and showmanship as justifications for his selection.
Lil Wayne’s Response
Lil Wayne publicly expressed his disappointment over not being chosen for the halftime show in his hometown. He admitted that the decision “broke” him and acknowledged that he had hoped to reach a point in his career where his selection for such events would be undeniable. Despite his initial hurt, Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar reportedly “talked it out,” with Wayne encouraging Lamar to “kill it” at the performance, emphasizing mutual respect between the two artists.
Viewer Boycott
The controversy extended to the audience, with some viewers choosing to boycott the halftime show in protest of Lil Wayne’s exclusion. Notably, sports commentator Skip Bayless announced his decision to boycott the performance, citing disrespect towards Lil Wayne and his strong ties to New Orleans. Bayless speculated that Jay-Z’s influence played a role in selecting Lamar over Lil Wayne, further fueling the debate.
NFL’s Response
In the aftermath of the performance, reports emerged that the NFL expressed regret over the decision to choose Kendrick Lamar over Lil Wayne for the halftime show. The league reportedly issued an apology letter to Lil Wayne, acknowledging the oversight and the missed opportunity to feature a local icon. The NFL has since indicated plans to prioritize artists with strong local connections for future halftime shows to avoid similar criticisms.
Performance Reception
Despite the controversy, Kendrick Lamar’s performance received critical acclaim. Lisa Respers France of CNN called “Not Like Us” the star of the halftime performance, while Maria Sherman of the Associated Press described Lamar performing the song on the biggest stage in American sport as another step in Lamar’s continued victory lap in his feud with Drake. Jon Caramanica of The New York Times described his performance as “quite a spectacle — perhaps the peak of any rap battle, ever.”
However, the initial dissatisfaction among certain viewers and fans over Lil Wayne’s exclusion underscored the complexities involved in curating performances that resonate with both local and national audiences.
Conclusion
The Super Bowl LIX halftime show controversy highlighted the challenges and sensitivities in selecting performers for high-profile events, especially when local affiliations and fan expectations are at play. While Kendrick Lamar delivered a critically acclaimed performance, the initial backlash and viewer boycotts served as a reminder of the importance of considering local culture and artist affiliations in such decisions. The NFL’s subsequent acknowledgment of the oversight suggests a potential shift towards more locally attuned selections for future events.
