Why some viewers refuse to watch Super Bowl 2025

Written by: Jenny

Published Jan 31, 2025

The scene is set for Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. While football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s the highly anticipated halftime show that’s generating the most buzz.

This year, the spotlight belongs to none other than Kendrick Lamar, a rapper often hailed as one of the greatest to ever do it.

Renowned for his lyrical complexity and thought-provoking storytelling, Lamar is no stranger to the Super Bowl stage. He previously made an appearance as a guest in the legendary 2022 halftime show, which featured Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.

However, this time around, the moment is Lamar’s alone, and excitement among fans is palpable. The official announcement was made in September 2024, accompanied by a teaser video from Apple Music, the event’s official sponsor.

The black-and-white teaser showcases Lamar strolling across a vast football field, casually remarking, “This field a lot bigger than what it looks.” The preview also dropped a surprise revelation: Grammy-winning singer SZA will join Lamar, setting the stage for an unforgettable performance.

A Divide Among Fans

Though many are thrilled to see Lamar at center stage, reactions across social media have been varied.

“Kendrick earned this,” one supporter wrote. Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “Back in 2016, I called Kendrick the greatest, and he has proven me right at every turn.”

On the other hand, some were less enthusiastic.

“It’s alright, I guess, but I don’t really follow football, so I have no strong opinion. At least he’s well-respected and not a controversial pick—definitely better than TS or something,” one user commented.

Not everyone is impressed by his live performances either. “I admire Kendrick, but I’ve never found him to be the most exciting performer on stage. He doesn’t seem to deliver his verses with the same energy in a live setting,” another person noted.

For certain viewers, his selection was underwhelming. “Why does he get to perform twice? I don’t listen to that kind of music,” a critic remarked. Another person stated, “I’m over rap being the go-to genre for Super Bowl halftime shows. It’s the lowest common denominator of music, in my opinion.”

One particularly blunt opinion read, “Total letdown. I’m not a Kendrick Lamar fan at all, and this will be the first halftime show I won’t bother watching.”

Celebrating Louisiana’s Musical Heritage

For those who aren’t excited about Lamar’s set, the NFL has ensured the inclusion of several Louisiana-born musicians to honor the state’s rich cultural contributions to music.

Jazz virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste will deliver the national anthem. “I’m looking forward to creating an arrangement that will stand the test of time, and I can’t wait to share it,” Batiste expressed.

Meanwhile, Christian singer Lauren Daigle and jazz performer Trombone Shorty will join forces for a rendition of “America the Beautiful,” while R&B powerhouse Ledisi is set to bring a stirring performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Lil Wayne’s Disappointment

One person who isn’t thrilled about Lamar’s halftime gig is Louisiana’s own rap legend, Lil Wayne. Many believed he would be the natural choice for the slot in his home state, and the rapper himself seemed to have the same expectation.

In a heartfelt Instagram video, Wayne shared his frustration.

“I blame myself for not preparing mentally for the possibility of disappointment. I had already convinced myself I had that spot, even though no one actually told me it was mine,” he admitted.

Reflecting on the significance of the moment, he continued, “I truly believed there was no greater stage, no bigger platform than that moment in my own city, so yeah, it stings.”

Kendrick’s Subtle Response

Lamar, known for maintaining a low profile, didn’t directly respond to Wayne’s comments. However, his latest music may have provided an indirect reply. On November 22, he unexpectedly dropped his sixth studio album, GNX, featuring an opening track titled “Wacced Out Murals.”

In the lyrics, Lamar appears to acknowledge Wayne’s disappointment:

“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.”

Will Kendrick Take a Shot at Drake?

The longstanding tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has intensified, with rumors suggesting Lamar might perform his track Not Like Us during the halftime show. As reported by The U.S. Sun, the song includes lines that seemingly take jabs at Drake, even alluding to controversial accusations.

Legally, Drake appears to have no recourse to prevent Lamar from delivering the performance.

The rivalry between the two artists dates back years, stemming from competitive lyrical sparring and subtle digs. It all began in 2013 with Lamar’s explosive verse on Big Sean’s Control, where he challenged several rappers, including Drake, to elevate their craft. While many viewed it as friendly competition, Drake later implied in interviews that he took offense.

Countdown to February 9, 2025

As Super Bowl LIX draws closer, anticipation continues to build. Whether you’re tuning in for the game, the entertainment, or both, one thing is certain—this year’s event is bound to be memorable.

For those eager to catch the action on February 9, Super Bowl LIX will be available on multiple streaming platforms. Fans can watch via the Fox Sports app on iOS or Android, Tubi, FoxSports.com, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, or Sling TV.