American rapper Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., has responded to the Super Bowl’s decision to announce Kendrick Lamar as the headliner for the 2025 Halftime Show.
On Sunday, Roc Nation, Apple Music, and the NFL confirmed Lamar as the headliner for the upcoming event.
Nearly a week after the announcement, Lil Wayne broke his silence in a video shared on Instagram on Friday, September 13, 2024.
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The 41-year-old rapper did not hide his disappointment at being passed over for the show, stating that the decision deeply affected him.
READ ALSO: Kendrick Lamar to headline 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show
“That hurt, it hurt a lot… I thought there was nothing better — that spot, on that stage, on that platform. It broke me, but I’m just trying to put myself back together,” Wayne said.
“First of all, I want to say forgive me for the delay,” Wayne continued in the video. “I had to gather the strength to do this without breaking. I want to thank every voice, every opinion, all the care, love, and support out there. Your words became arms that held me up when I was about to fall.”
“Not being picked hurt — it hurt a lot,” Wayne reiterated. “I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for the letdown. I automatically placed myself in that position, like someone had told me it was mine.”
Wayne’s reaction followed an outcry on social media, where fans and fellow artist Nicki Minaj expressed frustration over his exclusion from the show. While some criticized the organizers, others defended the decision.
Meanwhile, Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation helped select the performers, praised Lamar during the announcement, saying, “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
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The 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show is scheduled to take place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025.
Watch Lil Wayne’s video below.
