The NFL admits its mistake in selecting the Super Bowl halftime performer and expresses regret over snubbing Lil Wayne.
NFL is facing backlash after admitting it regrets choosing Kendrick Lamar over Lil Wayne for this year’s Super Bowl halftime show.
The performance at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans sparked controversy. Fans labeled it “the worst Super Bowl halftime show ever” as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22.
Now, reports claim the NFL regrets the decision and has acknowledged that Lil Wayne should have been the first choice.
NFL apologized to Lil Wayne after choosing Kendrick Lamar
Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native, was overlooked for the halftime show. According to reports, the NFL sent him a letter of apology.
Sports commentator Skip Bayless revealed this on his YouTube show. He said the league “immediately” reached out to Wayne after the announcement.
“The NFL immediately sent Wayne a letter of apology,” Bayless explained. “It wasn’t from a specific person, just from the league on official letterhead.”
The letter thanked Wayne for supporting the NFL, especially his favorite team, the Green Bay Packers.
League insider admits picking Kendrick Lamar was a ‘mistake’
According to The US Sun, an NFL employee admitted that choosing Kendrick over Lil Wayne was an error.
“A mistake was made, and we regret the choice,” the insider revealed.
The source emphasized that Lil Wayne should have been the top option. Being from New Orleans, he would have delivered a show that reflected the city’s culture.
NFL officials now aim to select halftime performers with stronger ties to the Super Bowl’s host city.
Lil Wayne Struggled to accept the snub
Wayne reportedly took the decision hard. Bayless revealed that Wayne struggled in the days following the news.
“When the news first broke, it hit Wayne hard,” Bayless said. “He didn’t feel like doing much for several long days and nights. He’s better now.”
Wayne later spoke about his disappointment on Instagram Live.
“I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown,” he said. “I automatically thought I would be in that spot, on that stage, in my city. So it hurt.”
He added, “It hurt a whole lot.”
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance Sparked More Controversy
Kendrick Lamar, who recently won five Grammys, didn’t carry that momentum into his Super Bowl performance.
He began the show on top of a car at the Superdome. During the performance, he referenced his legal battle with Drake.
Lamar performed Not Like Us but removed the word “pedophile” from the lyrics. He addressed the lawsuit before performing.
“I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue,” he told the crowd.
The rapper took multiple jabs at Drake, including lines like, “Say Drake, I hear you like them young” and “trying to strike a chord, and it’s probably a minor.”
His silver chain featured a small letter “a,” seemingly referencing the controversial “A minor” lyric in his diss track.
Star-studded performance featured Samuel L. Jackson, SZA, and Serena Williams
Acting legend Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as “Uncle Sam,” introduced Lamar’s performance.
R&B star SZA made a guest appearance, joining Lamar on stage.
Tennis icon Serena Williams, who once dated Drake, surprised the audience with a dancing cameo.
Despite the star power, many fans remained unimpressed. Social media users expressed disappointment, with some demanding the NFL reconsider future halftime selections.
NFL plans to change future halftime selection process
The backlash has led the NFL to reconsider its halftime show selection process.
“We won’t make the same mistake again,” another league source stated.
Moving forward, the NFL wants halftime performers to have a stronger connection to the host city. This could prevent similar controversies in the future.
Lil Wayne, born and raised in New Orleans, was the obvious choice for this year’s show. Fans and insiders believe he should have headlined.
The NFL now faces pressure to ensure the next Super Bowl halftime show aligns with the culture of its location.