Super Bowl 2025 Backlash: Viewers Boycott Over Controversial Headliner!
|The Super Bowl LIX halftime show has stirred a big debate, dividing fans over this year’s headliner. While some celebrate the bold choice, others are not impressed, and a Louisiana star has voiced disappointment after being passed over.
Super Bowl LIX promises to be a memorable event. In September 2024, Kendrick Lamar was announced as the halftime headliner for the February 9 game at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The news came with a fun teaser video from Apple Music, the halftime show’s sponsor. It also revealed that Grammy-winning artist SZA would join Lamar for the performance.
In the black-and-white clip, Lamar walks across a large football field while chatting on the phone. “This field’s way bigger than it looks,” he joked, noting the venue’s size.
Then, SZA sneaks up on him and dumps a water cooler filled with blue liquid over his head. Her playful smile added humor, leaving fans excited to see their chemistry on the big stage.
SZA later shared her excitement on Instagram, saying, “Taking the stage with @Kendricklamar!” This will be a first for Lamar, who has never headlined a Super Bowl halftime show before.
However, this isn’t his first appearance. Lamar previously performed as a guest in 2022 during a halftime show featuring Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
Fans shared mixed reactions online. One person said, “Kendrick deserves it.” Another wrote, “I’ve always said Kendrick is the GOAT, and he keeps proving it.” But some were less enthusiastic, saying, “He’s not the most fun live performer,” and, “Sick of rap at Super Bowl halftime shows.”
Others complained, wishing the show featured artists like Ice Cube, Chris Brown, or Janet Jackson. One person said, “This will be the first halftime show I won’t care to watch.”
Lamar and SZA aren’t the only performers lined up for the event. Four Louisiana-born artists will also perform, adding local flavor to the night. Jazz artist Jon Batiste will sing the national anthem, while Christian singer Lauren Daigle and jazz musician Trombone Shorty will perform “America the Beautiful.” R&B star Ledisi will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Not everyone is happy about Lamar headlining. Louisiana rapper Lil Wayne, who many thought would be chosen for the show, shared his disappointment in an emotional Instagram video. He thanked fans for their support and admitted he had mentally prepared himself to take the spot. “It hurt,” he said, referring to losing the chance to perform in his hometown.
Kendrick Lamar seemed to address Wayne’s feelings through his music. In November, he released a surprise album, “GNX.” In the opening track, he rapped about how his success might have let Wayne down, showing he was aware of the situation.
Fans can catch all the action on February 9 through streaming platforms like the Fox Sports app, Tubi, Hulu + Live TV, and others.
With a star-packed lineup and plenty of drama already, Super Bowl LIX promises to deliver excitement both on and off the field.