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| taylor swift and travis kelce | source: getty images |
The Super Bowl LIX halftime show has ignited a fiery debate, with fans split over this year's chosen performer. While some applaud the daring selection, others are far from pleased, and one Louisiana icon has voiced his disappointment after being passed over for the prestigious role.
Super Bowl LIX is shaping up to be a night to remember. In September 2024, Kendrick Lamar was unveiled as the halftime headliner for the February 9 game at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Following the announcement, a playful teaser trailer was released by Apple Music, the official halftime show sponsor, revealing that Grammy-winning artist SZA would also join him for the performance.
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| sza and kendrick lamar performing during the american music awards on november 24, 2013, in los angeles, california. | source: getty images |
In the monochrome teaser, Lamar was depicted striding across an expansive football field while casually chatting on the phone. "This field a lot bigger than what it looks," he remarked, seemingly marveling at the venue's vastness.
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| kendrick lamar and sza at the 58th grammy awards on february 15, 2016, in los angeles, california. | source: getty images |
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The lighthearted moment took a humorous turn when SZA, who had been hiding nearby, surprised Lamar by pouring a water cooler filled with shimmering blue liquid over him.
Her cheeky smile added a playful touch to the scene, leaving fans eager to witness their dynamic chemistry unfold on one of the globe's largest stages.
SZA later expressed her excitement on Instagram, posting, "Taking the stage with @Kendricklamar!" The announcement marked a pivotal moment for Lamar, who will headline the Super Bowl halftime show for the first time in his career.
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| kendrick lamar and sza performing at coachella on april 13, 2018, in indio, california. | source: getty images |
However, this isn't his debut on the Super Bowl stage—he previously performed as a guest during the star-studded 2022 halftime show featuring Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
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| kendrick lamar performing during the nfl super bowl lvi on february 13, 2022, in inglewood, california. | source: getty images |
"Kendrick deserves it," one social media user shared. Another wrote, "Back in like 2016 I said Kendrick is the GOAT, I'm happy he has proven me right every step of the way."
A third typed, "It's cool. I love Kendrick but never found him to be the most fun live performer. Seems like he can't rap all his verses with that same passion live."
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| kendrick lamar performing during the primavera sound event on june 9, 2023, in madrid, spain. | source: getty images |
A fourth person added, "I mean it's fine I suppose but I don't watch football so I probably have no stake /: he has no scandals, generally well-liked, better than TS or something like that lol."
However, while many fans have celebrated the announcement, not everyone is thrilled about the rap legend's upcoming performance.
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| kendrick lamar performing during the 2023 governors ball music festival on june 11 in new york. | source: getty images |
"As a Gen Z member, I'm not a fan of him. I would appreciate it if it were Ice Cube, Chris Brown, Ludacris, Ne-Yo, Ciara, or Janet Jackson (she deserves a 2nd chance imo)," one person commented.
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| kendrick lamar performing during roskilde festival 2023 on june 28. | source: getty images |
"Why does he get to be there twice? I pay no attention to that kind of music," another shared. A third added, "Sick of rap at Super Bowl. It is the lowest denominator of music IMHO."
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| kendrick lamar performing onstage during the visa cash app rb formula one team 2024 livery reveal on february 8, 2024, in las vegas, nevada. | source: getty images |
A fourth social media user wrote, "Huge disappointment. Not a fan of Kendrick Lamar at all and this will be the first halftime show I won't care if I miss." Another typed, "It'll be the only Super Bowl halftime I have skipped can't stand his voice."
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| kendrick lamar performing during the pop out – ken & friends event on june 19, 2024, in inglewood, california. | source: getty images |
A Star-Studded Lineup and Lil Wayne's Emotional Reaction
Lamar and SZA aren't the only performers set to grace the stage during Super Bowl LIX. The NFL has also recruited four Louisiana-born artists to contribute to the evening's entertainment. Jon Batiste, a jazz singer and multi-instrumentalist, will perform the national anthem.
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| jon batiste performing during the grand opening of jon batiste's jazz club at baha mar on january 17, 2025, in nassau, bahamas. | source: getty images |
Sharing his excitement about the opportunity, Batiste stated, "I'm excited to figure out an arrangement that lasts the test of time, and I look forward to sharing it."
Meanwhile, Christian singer Lauren Daigle and jazz musician Trombone Shorty will collaborate to deliver a rendition of "America the Beautiful." Additionally, R&B legend Ledisi is scheduled to perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing," completing a lineup that honors Louisiana's vibrant musical legacy.
However, the announcement of Lamar as the halftime headliner left one of Louisiana's most celebrated rappers feeling let down. Lil Wayne, widely considered a top contender to headline the 2025 Super Bowl, shared his thoughts in an emotional Instagram video.
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| lil wayne performing during lil weezyana fest 2024 on november 2 in new orleans, louisiana. | source: getty images |
"First of all, I wanna say forgive me for the delay," he began, visibly struggling to maintain composure. "I had to get strength enough to do this without breaking. I'mma say thank you to every voice, every opinion, all the care, all the love, and the support out there."
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| lil wayne performing at liv nightclub on december 8, 2024, in miami beach, florida. | source: getty images |
Wayne openly expressed his feelings about Lamar's selection for the coveted slot. "I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown and for automatically mentally putting myself in that position like somebody told me that was my position," he explained.
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| lil wayne performing during the lil weezyana presents a hot boys holiday event on december 20, 2024, in houston, texas. | source: getty images |
Reflecting on the significance of the event, the rapper added, "But I thought there was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, so it hurt."
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| lil wayne performing during the at&t playoff playlist live! concert on january 18, 2025, in atlanta, georgia. | source: getty images |
Kendrick Lamar, who became aware of Wayne's sentiments, seemingly addressed them through his music. On November 22, the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper surprise-released his sixth album, "GNX." In the opening track, "Wacced Out Murals," Lamar acknowledged Wayne's disappointment.
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"Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down / Whatever though, call me crazy, everybody questionable," he rapped in the second verse, offering a rare glimpse into his perspective on the situation.
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| kendrick lamar at the chanel fall 2023 couture collection runway show on july 4 in paris, france. | source: getty images |
For those eager to catch the action on February 9, Super Bowl LIX can be live-streamed via multiple platforms, including the Fox Sports app for iOS and Android, Tubi, FoxSports.com, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV.
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| kendrick lamar at the 2023 life is beautiful event on september 23 in las vegas, nevada. | source: getty images |
With an impressive roster of performers and the drama surrounding the halftime show already grabbing headlines, this year's Super Bowl promises to deliver both on and off the field.
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