The upcoming Super Bowl LIX has sparked a wave of conversations due to the choice of halftime performer. Fans have split opinions about this year’s headliner, with some excited and others disappointed.
One beloved musician from Louisiana has also stepped forward to share his feelings about being passed over for this prime performance spot.
Anticipation is already sky-rocketing for Super Bowl LIX, which is set for February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The buzz began in September 2024 when Kendrick Lamar was revealed as the main act for the halftime show.
Kendrick won’t be alone on that grand stage. The announcement trailer created by Apple Music, the show’s sponsor, also teased that Grammy winner SZA will be joining him for this much-anticipated performance.
A whimsical black-and-white video preview portrayed Lamar walking across a giant football field, chatting on his phone. “,This field is much bigger than it looks,” he quipped, appreciating the vastness of the venue.
The lighthearted moment took a playful turn when SZA sneakily appeared, dousing Kendrick with a cooler of sparkling blue liquid, spreading laughter and building excitement for their chemistry on stage.
Fans can’t wait to see how this dynamic pair will steal the show. Even SZA expressed her joy via Instagram with, “Taking the stage with @Kendricklamar!” This marks a milestone for Lamar as it is his initial time headlining at the Super Bowl, although he made an appearance as a guest performer in the 2022 show.
Social media saw an outpour of supportive comments for Kendrick with remarks like, “Kendrick deserves it.” Another said, “I predicted his greatness back in 2016, and he continues to prove me right.” Yet, some expressed mixed feelings about his live performance style.
While excitement runs high for many, not all are thrilled about the rap star’s selection for the show. Some individuals noted preferences for other artists like Ice Cube or Janet Jackson, questioning the choice of repeated genres at such events.
Others voiced their disinterest or dislike, with comments such as, “Why Kendrick again?” or simply not resonating with rap music.
One user plainly stated, “Not a Kendrick fan. This will be the first halftime I don’t care to watch. I can’t stand his voice.”
A Glittering Lineup and Lil Wayne’s Emotional Response
In addition to Kendrick and SZA, the NFL has recruited four Louisiana-born musicians to enhance the evening’s entertainment. Jon Batiste, known for his jazz prowess, will perform the national anthem, promising to deliver a timeless rendition.
Batiste shared his enthusiasm, noting, “I’m thrilled to craft an anthem performance that will endure the ages.” However, one prominent Louisiana rapper felt slighted by Kendrick’s selection for the headline act.
Lil Wayne, considered a top candidate for the halftime show, expressed his feelings through a heartfelt video on Instagram. He thanked his fans for their support and admitted his disappointment at not being chosen for such a monumental occasion in his hometown.
Wayne candidly admitted, “I wasn’t mentally prepared for a letdown. I had put myself in that position without confirmation, so it was disheartening.” His tone unmistakably conveyed his emotional struggle and longing for that spotlight moment in New Orleans.
Super Bowl 2025: What to Expect
Kendrick Lamar seemed to respond to Wayne’s sentiments through his art. His surprise album “GNX” dropped on November 22, offering introspective lyrics about the situation in his opening track “Wacced Out Murals” by alluding to how hard work might have unintentionally let Wayne down.
Regardless of preferences or opinions, many are marking their calendars for February 9. Super Bowl LIX will be accessible through various platforms for streaming, including the Fox Sports app, Tubi, YouTube TV, and more.
With such a diverse lineup of artists and the surrounding buzz, this year’s Super Bowl is set to captivate audiences and deliver unforgettable moments, both on the field and during halftime.
