Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance faced heavy backlash, with many fans calling it the worst halftime show in the event’s history.
Fans call Kendrick Lamar’s performance the ‘worst halftime show ever’
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 halftime show received widespread backlash from fans. Many criticized it as the ‘worst halftime show ever.’
The rapper, 37, took the stage at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans fresh off his Grammy wins. However, his performance lacked the expected momentum.
Kendrick Lamar’s Performance Highlights
Lamar opened the show standing atop a car, showcasing his signature lyrical style. He performed a medley of his greatest hits.
Despite ongoing legal disputes, Lamar performed ‘Not Like Us,’ a song targeting Drake. The track refers to Drake as a ‘certified pedophile.’
Samuel L. Jackson introduced Lamar, and later, SZA, 35, joined him on stage. The two artists delivered a highly anticipated collaboration.
Security incident disrupts halftime show
During the show, a man waving a Palestine flag attempted to storm the stage. Security quickly intervened, preventing disruption.
Fans inside the stadium witnessed the commotion, though TV cameras did not broadcast the incident.
Lamar’s artistic vision for the show
Lamar aimed to blend his Los Angeles hip-hop roots with New Orleans culture. He wanted to highlight storytelling in his performance.
At a press conference hosted by Apple Music, Lamar spoke about his artistic journey. ‘This is me. This is Kendrick Lamar, 37 years old, and I still feel like I’m elevating,’ he said.
Kendrick Lamar becomes the first solo Hip-Hop Halftime headliner
Lamar made history as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. He previously performed in 2022 alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, and Eminem.
He emphasized hip-hop’s importance on such a major stage. ‘It puts the culture at the forefront, where it needs to be, and not minimized to just a catchy song or verse,’ he said.
Lamar performed just days after winning Song and Record of the Year at the Grammys for ‘Not Like Us.’
He is also preparing for his Grand National Tour with SZA. The tour begins April 19 in Minneapolis and concludes June 18 in Washington, D.C.
Lamar expressed admiration for SZA’s talent, saying, ‘I’m honored to be next to her talent.’
The pregame entertainment featured Louisiana artists. Jon Batiste performed the national anthem, while Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle sang ‘America the Beautiful.’
Legal issues surrpounding Lamar’s performance
Reports suggested that Lamar’s setlist was uncertain due to legal challenges. However, sources claimed he remained firm in his decision to perform ‘Not Like Us.’
‘He won’t back down,’ a source told The US Sun.
Despite the controversy, Lamar’s halftime performance remains one of the most talked-about moments of Super Bowl 2025.