Why some viewers refuse to watch Super Bowl 2025

The anticipation is high for Super Bowl LIX, set to take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. While football enthusiasts eagerly await the face-off between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s the halftime spectacle that’s capturing most of the attention.

This year’s main act is none other than Kendrick Lamar, a rapper widely celebrated as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

Renowned for his intricate wordplay and deep, thought-provoking messages, Lamar is not new to the Super Bowl stage. He previously made an appearance as a special guest during the memorable 2022 halftime performance, which featured Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.

However, this time, the spotlight is entirely on him, and fans are ecstatic. The official announcement was made in September 2024, accompanied by a teaser from Apple Music, the official sponsor of the halftime show.

In the black-and-white promotional video, Lamar is seen striding across a vast football field, casually remarking, “This field is way bigger than it looks.” The teaser also unveiled an unexpected addition to the lineup: Grammy-winning singer SZA will be joining Lamar for what is anticipated to be an electrifying performance.

A Divided Reaction from Fans

Though many are thrilled about Lamar’s headlining slot, reactions on social media have been mixed.

“Kendrick earned this,” one supporter wrote, while another added, “I called Kendrick the GOAT back in 2016, and he’s been proving me right ever since.”

Not everyone, however, is as enthusiastic.

“It’s alright, I guess, but I don’t really watch football, so I don’t have much of an opinion. He’s not controversial, generally well-liked—better than Taylor Swift or something, I suppose,” one person posted.

Some also expressed disappointment in his live performances. “I’m a huge Kendrick fan, but I never found him the most engaging performer on stage. He doesn’t seem to bring the same energy live,” another user commented.

For others, Lamar’s return to the halftime show is a letdown.

“Why does he get another shot at this? I don’t listen to that kind of music,” one critic complained. Another said, “Tired of rap being the focus at the Super Bowl. It’s the lowest form of music in my opinion.”

One particularly blunt remark read, “Big disappointment. Not a fan of Kendrick Lamar at all, and this will be the first halftime show I won’t care about missing.”

Celebrating Louisiana’s Musical Legacy

For those who may not be keen on Lamar’s performance, the NFL has ensured that Louisiana’s rich musical heritage is well represented.

Jon Batiste, a talented jazz artist and multi-instrumentalist, will deliver the national anthem. “I’m looking forward to crafting an arrangement that stands the test of time and sharing it with the world,” Batiste remarked.

Gospel and contemporary Christian singer Lauren Daigle will join jazz musician Trombone Shorty in a performance of “America the Beautiful.” Meanwhile, R&B icon Ledisi will offer a soul-stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Lil Wayne Reacts

One person who wasn’t pleased with Lamar’s selection as the halftime performer is Louisiana’s own rap legend, Lil Wayne. Many had speculated that Wayne might headline the show, given that it’s taking place in his home state. Even the rapper himself seemed to have had similar expectations.

In an emotional Instagram video, Wayne shared his disappointment.

“I hold myself responsible for not mentally preparing for the possibility of being overlooked and for assuming that spot was mine when no one actually promised it to me,” he admitted.

He further reflected, “I truly believed there was no greater stage or opportunity than that platform in my city, so yeah, it stung.”

Kendrick’s Response

Known for keeping a low profile, Lamar didn’t directly respond to Wayne’s remarks. However, his latest album might have addressed them in an indirect way. On November 22, Lamar unexpectedly released his sixth studio album, GNX, which features an opening track titled “Wacced Out Murals.”

In the song, Lamar seemingly alludes to Wayne’s feelings of 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 Shots at Drake During the Halftime Show?

The ongoing tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has intensified, with reports suggesting that Lamar might perform a controversial track, Not Like Us, during the Super Bowl halftime show. According to The U.S. Sun, the song contains lyrics that seemingly throw shade at Drake, even hinting at questionable behavior.

From a legal standpoint, it appears there’s little Drake can do to prevent Lamar from performing the track.

The long-standing rivalry between these two rap titans dates back years, stemming from competitive digs and subliminal shots. The feud can be traced back to Lamar’s fiery verse on Big Sean’s Control in 2013, where he challenged several rappers, including Drake, to step up their game. While many saw it as a competitive push, Drake later suggested in interviews that he felt personally slighted.

All Eyes on February 9, 2025

With the big day fast approaching, the excitement surrounding Super Bowl LIX continues to build. Whether you’re tuning in for the game, the halftime spectacle, or both, one thing is certain—this year’s event is shaping up to be a must-watch.

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