The anticipation for Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, is reaching new heights. As fans eagerly await the faceoff between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, the halftime show is also stealing the spotlight.

This year’s highly anticipated halftime performance will be headlined by none other than Kendrick Lamar, a rapper widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

Lamar’s reputation for thought-provoking lyrics, exceptional storytelling, and unmatched artistry makes him an exciting choice for the Super Bowl halftime stage. While he previously made a guest appearance alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent during the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022, this time, he takes center stage.

The announcement was made in September 2024, accompanied by a teaser trailer released by Apple Music, the official sponsor of the Super Bowl halftime show. In the dramatic black-and-white teaser, Lamar walks across a vast football field, stating, “This field a lot bigger than what it looks.” The teaser also featured a major surprise—Grammy-winning singer SZA will be joining him on stage, making this a performance to remember.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

While many fans are thrilled about Lamar’s halftime show, reactions online have been varied.

One enthusiastic fan posted, “Kendrick deserves this! He’s the best in the game.” Another commented, “Back in 2016, I said Kendrick is the GOAT, and I’m glad he’s proven me right all along.”

However, not everyone is as excited. Some fans expressed indifference toward both Lamar and the Super Bowl halftime show itself.

“It’s okay, I guess. I don’t really follow football, so it doesn’t mean much to me. At least he’s not involved in any scandals, which is better than TS or something like that, lol,” one social media user wrote.

Others questioned Lamar’s ability as a live performer. “I appreciate Kendrick, but I’ve never found him to be the most engaging performer. It seems like he struggles to deliver his verses with the same energy in a live setting,” a critic noted.

Some fans also felt that his selection for the halftime show was repetitive. “Why does he get to perform there twice? I don’t really follow that genre of music,” one commenter complained. Another added, “I’m tired of rap at the Super Bowl. In my opinion, it’s the least impressive type of music.”

One particularly harsh comment stated, “What a letdown. I’m not a fan of Kendrick Lamar, and this will be the first halftime show I won’t mind skipping.”

Louisiana’s Musical Heritage Takes Center Stage

While Kendrick Lamar will headline the halftime show, the NFL is also embracing Louisiana’s rich musical culture by featuring a lineup of local artists during the event.

Renowned jazz musician and multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste will perform the national anthem. Sharing his enthusiasm, he stated, “I’m excited to figure out an arrangement that will stand the test of time, and I look forward to sharing it with the world.”

Additionally, Christian singer Lauren Daigle and jazz icon Trombone Shorty will collaborate on a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Meanwhile, legendary R&B vocalist Ledisi will deliver a soulful performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Lil Wayne’s Disappointment

One person who wasn’t too thrilled about Lamar headlining the halftime show was Louisiana’s very own rap icon, Lil Wayne. Given that Super Bowl LIX is taking place in his home state, many fans expected Wayne to secure the halftime spot.

In a heartfelt Instagram video, Wayne expressed his disappointment.

“I take responsibility for not being ready for disappointment and for putting myself in that mindset as if someone had assigned me that role,” he shared.

Reflecting on the significance of the Super Bowl stage, Wayne added, “I believed there was no place better than that spot, that stage, and that platform in my city, so it really stung.”

Kendrick Lamar’s Response—or Lack Thereof

Unlike many artists who would address such statements publicly, Lamar chose to remain silent about Wayne’s remarks. However, some believe he may have responded through his music.

On November 22, 2024, Lamar unexpectedly dropped his sixth studio album, GNX. The album’s opening track, “Wacced Out Murals,” appears to reference Wayne’s disappointment with lines such as:

“Used to jam to Tha Carter III, I wore my Rollie chain with pride / Irony, I feel my dedication has let Lil Wayne down / But hey, call me what you will, everyone has their doubts.”

Will Kendrick Lamar Diss Drake During the Halftime Show?

As the Super Bowl draws near, speculation is growing over whether Lamar will take the opportunity to escalate his ongoing feud with Drake.

According to The U.S. Sun, Lamar is considering performing “Not Like Us”, a provocative diss track that seemingly calls out Drake. The lyrics of the song allegedly question Drake’s credibility and hint at controversial behavior.

Legally, it appears there’s nothing Drake can do to prevent Lamar from performing the track, which could make for a headline-grabbing moment during Super Bowl LIX.

The rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been brewing for years. It dates back to 2013, when Lamar delivered a legendary verse on Big Sean’s song “Control.” In that track, Lamar name-dropped several rappers, including Drake, challenging them to elevate their artistry. While some saw it as a competitive statement, Drake later admitted in interviews that he took offense.

All Eyes on February 9, 2025

With the Super Bowl LIX halftime show shaping up to be an unforgettable spectacle, excitement is at an all-time high! Whether you’re tuning in for the game, the halftime show, or both, it’s clear that this year’s event is one for the books.

Make sure to mark your calendars for February 9, 2025, when Super Bowl LIX will be streaming across multiple platforms. Fans can watch via the Fox Sports app (iOS & Android), Tubi, FoxSports.com, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV.

What are your thoughts on Kendrick Lamar being the headliner for this year’s halftime show? Are you excited, or would you have preferred a different artist? Share your opinions!